PRACTICE AREA
Philadelphia Credit Report Error Lawyer
False or inaccurate information on your credit report can cost you loans, housing, and jobs. The FCRA gives you the power to fight back — and we know how to use it. Our Philadelphia credit report attorneys represent consumers throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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Your Credit Report Controls More Than You Think
Whether it’s getting approved for a loan, a mortgage, an apartment, or even a job — people want to know whether you have a history of paying your debts. That makes the accuracy of your credit report critical. Fortunately, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates how credit reporting agencies collect, distribute, and manage your information — and gives you an avenue of relief when they get it wrong.
Common FCRA Violations
The FCRA’s underlying purpose is to keep your credit information accurate and private. Yet the credit reporting agencies make mistakes constantly, causing real financial hardship. The most common violations include:
- Reporting inaccurate information — misstated balances, payments reported late when they were paid on time, or naming you as the debtor on an account where you were merely an authorized user
- Reporting outdated information — Chapter 13 bankruptcies must stop being reported after 7 years; Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcies and adverse civil judgments after 10 years
- Mixing files — merging two people’s credit files because of similar names or background information (see our dedicated Mixed Credit Report page)
- Failing to investigate disputes — bureaus must conduct a genuine reinvestigation within 30 days of your dispute, not rubber-stamp the original error
Employers Must Follow the FCRA Too
Credit bureaus aren’t the only entities bound by the FCRA — employers who use credit or background reports for employment decisions must comply as well. Employer violations often happen at scale, affecting many employees and applicants at once, which is why they frequently become class actions. In Mejia v. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., No. 5:15-cv-01911, a class action alleged that Chipotle violated the FCRA by burying background-check consent inside a general application agreement. The FCRA is unforgiving about technical details — which cuts in favor of consumers whose rights were ignored.
Damages You Can Recover for an FCRA Violation
- Actual damages — denied credit, higher interest rates, lost housing or job opportunities, and emotional distress caused by the errors
- Statutory damages — up to $1,000 per willful violation, even without proving a specific financial loss
- Punitive damages — additional amounts a court may award when the violation was willful or reckless
- Attorney’s fees and costs — paid by the defendants, not by you
How We Fight Credit Reporting Cases
1. We review all three of your credit reports and identify every inaccuracy across TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.
2. We build documented disputes — sent by certified mail, with evidence attached, preserving the record for court.
3. When the bureaus fail to fix it, we sue under the FCRA — and the defendants pay the attorney’s fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
I found an error on my credit report. What should I do first?
Get current copies of all three of your credit reports, identify every inaccuracy, and dispute in writing by certified mail with supporting documents. Keep records of everything — the dispute you send today shapes the case you may need tomorrow.
The bureau says the information was "verified." Is that the end?
No. A reinvestigation that simply confirms the original error may itself violate the FCRA. That failure is often what turns a credit report error into a compensable legal claim.
How long can negative information stay on my report?
Most negative items: 7 years. Chapter 13 bankruptcies: 7 years. Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcies and adverse civil judgments: 10 years. Reporting beyond those limits violates the FCRA.
What does it cost to hire you?
Nothing out of pocket. We handle FCRA cases on contingency — our fees come from the credit bureaus and furnishers when we win. If we don't win, you don't pay.
How long do I have to bring an FCRA claim?
Generally two years from when you discover the violation, and no more than five years from when it occurred.
This practice area is part of our broader FCRA practice — see how the Fair Credit Reporting Act protects you and makes the violator pay your legal fees.
What Clients Say
“When one of our lenders decided to play games, Richard and Anna from Kim Law Firm came to the rescue. They were thorough, professional and timely on every step while delivering a result better than expected!”
David — Verified review
“He took my case on a contingency basis and sued many defendants that were reporting inaccurate data on my credit reports. All of the incorrect information has since been removed and I was compensated.”
Sean — Verified review
“I went to Mr. Kim for help and he immediately agreed to assist me with my credit report and creditors. He went to work and his legal assistant is amazing and very responsive. They showed that they cared.”
Teddy — Avvo review
Case results depend on a variety of factors, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website may not reflect current legal developments and is provided without any knowledge as to the reader/user’s specific circumstances. The application and impact of laws varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Attorneys’ fees and compensation are provided from a successful resolution. The law firm’s office is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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