MICHIGAN CREDIT ATTORNEYS: COMMON CREDIT REPORT ERRORS

4/9/2024

MICHIGAN CREDIT REPORT ATTORNEYS DISCUSS COMMON CREDIT REPORT ERRORS

Have you ever felt something just isn't right with your credit report? You're not alone. It is estimated that tens of millions of Americans have credit report errors that they may not be aware of, and that is harming their credit report. Many people fall victim to common credit report errors because they either do not check their credit report, or do not understand their credit report. In this article, we hope to shine a light on some of the most common credit report mistakes that could be harming your credit report.

WHAT ARE CREDIT REPORT ERRORS

Credit report errors are inaccuracies or materially misleading information that can appear on your credit report. Credit report errors can affect your credit score and various financial ratios that are used by creditors and lenders to offer credit or financing. These errors can be costly, and can lead to higher interest rates or the outright denial of credit opportunities.

Credit report errors can range from simple spelling mistakes to more serious issues like identity theft or fraudulent accounts opened in your name.

TYPES OF COMMON CREDIT REPORT ERRORS

1. Incorrect Personal Information
One of the most common credit report errors involves incorrect personal information such as misspelled names, wrong addresses, or incorrect contact details. These errors may seem minor, but they can lead to mixed files where your identity is mistaken with another's identity. This can lead to account that do not belong to you being reported on your credit report.

2. Duplicate Accounts
Duplicate accounts can occur when the same account is listed multiple times on your credit report. This type of credit report error makes it appear as if you have more debt than you actually do. A duplicate account can be an account listed by the same furnisher, or the same balance listed by the original creditor and an assignee such as a debt buyer or debt collector. This type of credit report error can negatively impact your credit score and borrowing potential.

3. Inaccurate Account Status Such as Balance
Another common credit report error are mistakes in the account's status. For example, a closed account may be reported as open, or a paid-off debt may still show as outstanding. Your balance may also be reported higher than the balance actually is thereby impairing your credit utilization ration. These types of credit inaccuracies can also damage your creditworthiness.

4. Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious credit reporting issue that can result in fraudulent accounts being opened in your name without your knowledge. Detecting identity theft and promptly disputing identity theft accounts on your credit report is crucial to protecting your credit.

HOW TO DETECT AND CORRECT ERRORS

Regularly checking your credit report for errors is advisable. If you suspect that there are errors on your credit report, you should take action immediately. Start by requesting a free copy of your report from each of the major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You should carefully review these reports for any discrepancies, and should consider the assistance of a credit report attorney to help you review your credit reports for errors. If you identify credit report errors, follow the bureau's dispute process to have these errors corrected.

Disputing your credit report is free and you have the right to do so under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Therefore, be wary of any company or so-called "credit repair company" or "credit report expert" who charges you a fee to help you dispute or repair your credit or who promises to improve your credit. Nobody has the legal right to remove accurate credit reporting that is reported in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. There are plenty of scammers in the credit industry so you should check with a credit lawyer or other consumer protection organization like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

SPEAK TO A KNOWLEDGEABLE MICHIGAN CREDIT LAWYER

We have helped countless consumers recover damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for inaccurate credit reporting and credit report errors. Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished litigator and serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation including the FCRA. If you have errors on your credit report that you would like to discuss, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by calling us today or using the contact form below.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF A CREDIT REPORT LAWYER

4/9/2024

MICHIGAN CREDIT REPORT LAWYER

A credit report lawyer or credit lawyer assists individuals with disputes related to their credit reports. Credit report lawyers typically understand consumer protection laws and regulations, including those pertaining to credit reporting and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
A credit report lawyer can help identity errors on your credit report, and help you dispute errors on your credit report. If needed, credit report lawyers can also help you file a lawsuit in court if the credit reporting agencies or furnisher of information fail to correct credit report errors.

IMPORTANCE OF HIRING A CREDIT REPORT LAWYER

When faced with credit report errors on your credit report, it can be challenging to have these inaccuracies corrected on your credit report. A credit report lawyer can help you navigate the dispute process and work towards resolving credit report errors that may be negatively impacting your credit. By leveraging their expertise, you can potentially improve your credit standing and secure your financial future through the removal of inaccurate information on your credit report.

MYTHS SURROUNDING CREDIT REPORT LAWYER

Contrary to popular belief, credit report lawyers are not just for individuals with serious credit issues. In fact, anyone who encounters errors on their credit report, such as inaccurate account information, identity theft, or fraudulent accounts, can benefit from the services of a credit report lawyer. Credit attorneys can provide invaluable guidance and support in helping to ensure that your credit report accurately reflects your financial history and information.

WORKING WITH A MICHIGAN CREDIT REPORT LAWYER

Upon engaging a credit report lawyer, the lawyer will conduct a thorough review of your credit report to identify any inaccuracies.  Inaccuracies on your credit report can include demonstrably false information, or materially misleading information on your credit report. A credit report lawyer can help take the necessary steps to dispute errors on your credit report with the credit reporting bureaus and work towards having the inaccuracies corrected or removed. Throughout this process, your credit lawyer will advocate on your behalf with the credit reporting agencies.

Conclusion
A credit report lawyer can be a valuable resource for consumers with credit report errors.  By enlisting the expertise of a knowledgeable credit lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of credit reporting laws and regulations with more confidence. Don't allow inaccuracies on your credit report to harm you—empower yourself with a credit report lawyer and take back control of your financial future.

We have helped countless consumers recover damages under the FCRA for inaccurate credit reporting. Our attorneys are accomplished litigators and published authors in consumer protection litigation.  If you are the victim of identity theft and your credit report has been affected, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by using the contact form below.

COMMON BACKGROUND CHECK REPORT ERRORS AND MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR APPLICANTS AND EMPLOYERS

4/5/2024

BACKGROUND CHECK ATTORNEYS IN MICHIGAN

What are some steps employers and applicants can do to help reduce the risk of background check report errors?

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS TO AVOID BACKGROUND CHECK MISTAKES

Introduction

Any background check lawyer will attest that when it comes to background check reports, accuracy is crucial. Background check report errors can have serious consequences, from missed job opportunities to denied housing. Because individuals can suffer serious harm because of errors in their background check report, it is not uncommon for background check errors to also lead to lawsuits.

Our Michigan background check lawyers can help explore some of the most common background check report mistakes and how to avoid them.

Background Check Report Mistake: Failing To Double Checking Details
One of the biggest mistakes employers make when reviewing background check reports is not double-checking the details. It's essential to verify all the information in the report to ensure the accuracy of the background check report.

Background Check Report Mistake: Ignoring Discrepancies In The Background Check Report
Another common mistake when reviewing background check reports is ignoring discrepancies in the background check report. If you notice any inconsistencies or errors, it's crucial to address these.

Background Check Report Mistake: Failing to Provide Documentation
Some applicants fail to provide documentation to support their background check report. It's essential to keep all relevant documents handy to validate the information in the background check report.

Background Check Report Mistake: Relying Solely on Online Databases
Although online databases can be a useful tool for background checks, relying solely on these databases can lead to errors. Background check companies utilize various procedures and processes for compiling data and then storing and matching this data to individuals. Therefore, online database may not always contain the most recent information, or even consistent information about individuals. Utilizing multiple sources to verify information is both preferable and essential to ensuring accuracy.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common background check report mistakes and taking the time to review and verify the information in a background check report, employers and applicants can help ensure the accuracy of background check reports to prevent potential issues in the future. Remember, accuracy is key when it comes to background checks and utilizing more sources for information should help verify the accuracy of information contained in a background check report.

WERE YOU DENIED EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF BACKGROUND CHECK REPORT ERRORS?

Schedule A Free Zoom Consultation With A Background Check Attorney Today. No Office Visit Needed To Start.

If you were denied employment because of background check report errors, a background check attorney can help you dispute errors in your background check report and pursue damages in accordance with consumer protection laws. You may be entitled to compensation and damages if you were denied employment because of errors in your background check report.

Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished litigator and author in consumer protection litigation. He serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation. If you were denied employment or housing because of an error in your background check report, we can schedule you for a free phone or Zoom consultation. Please contact us by using our contact form below.

Background Check Lawyers - OVERVIEW OF BACKGROUND CHECKS IN EMPLOYMENT

4/5/2024

BACKGROUND CHECK LAWYERS IN MICHIGAN

Understanding The Importance of Background Check Reports in Employment
Background check reports play a crucial role in evaluating the suitability of potential candidates during the employment application process. Background check reports provide employers with information pertaining to an individual's past employment history, criminal records, and educational background. This is especially important for employers who hire employees that interact with the public or minors, such as Uber or Lyft drivers, school staff, and other employees who interact with the public. This is also important for positions that require a high level of trust, such as banking or positions where the employee will be handling large or moderate sums of money. By verifying the information provided by applicants and uncovering any discrepancies or red flags, employers can protect their organizations and the public from potential risks and liabilities.

Employers must be careful to ensure that they follow reasonable hiring, screening, and retention policies to not only protect the safety of others, but also to protect the employer in the event of a lawsuit.

By reviewing an applicant’s background check report, employers can make more informed decisions during the hiring process.

Components Of A Background Check Report
A typical employment background check report includes various components such as employment verification, education verification, criminal record checks, credit history checks, and reference checks. Each of these components helps the employer evaluate the candidate's background and qualifications.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have an accurate background check report. Background check errors can cost you a job or housing. A good background check attorney can help you dispute background check errors and may also be able to help you recover damages if you were denied employment or housing because of background check errors.

EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK LAWS

Ensuring Compliance with Legal Regulations
Employers should conduct background check reports in compliance with legal regulations to protect the rights and privacy of applicant candidates. Adhering to federal and state laws governing background checks ensures that the application process is conducted fairly and transparently, without violating the applicant’s rights or privacy laws.

Fair Credit Reporting Act Background Checks
The FCRA governs employer background checks and addresses background check errors.
Before the background check report:
Applicant Consent For Background Check Report:
Prior to conducting a background check, employers must disclose in writing to the applicant that the employer may conduct a background check which could affect the employer’s employment decision. The employer’s disclosure must be conspicuous and presented on its own (i.e., not in a bundle of documents).
The applicant must agree in writing to the background check.
Certification To Background Check Comnpany
The employer must certify to the background check company that the employer:

notified the applicant ad obtained the applicant’s permission for the background check report,
the employer complied with all the FCRA requirements; and
won’t discriminate against the applicant or misuse the information in violation of federal or state equal opportunity laws or regulations.

Note on Michigan Background Check Laws: Under Michigan law, employers may not ask an applicant about a misdemeanor arrest that did not result in a conviction. Employers may ask about felony or misdemeanor convictions or felony arrests which did not result in a conviction.

After The Background Check Report
Before taking adverse action, an employer must provide the applicant with written notice that includes a copy of the background check report that the employer relied upon to make its hiring decision, as well as a copy of "A Summary of Your Rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act."
By providing the aplicant the notice in advance, the applicant has an opportunity to review the background check report and explain any negative information or address any background check error.

If a background check leads to an adverse decision against hiring an applicant, an employer must notify the applicant that the applicant was rejected because of information in the background check report. The employer must also provide the applicant with the name, address, and phone number of the background check company that issued the report, as well as an explanation that the background check company that sold the report did not make the hiring decision and is unable to provide specific reasons for the employment decision.

The applicant must also be informed that the applicant has the right to dispute the accuracy or completeness of the background check report, and to get an additional free report from the background check reporting company within 60 days.

Conclusion
Background check reports play an important role in the employment process by providing employers with a way to screen candidates and to assess a candidate’s qualifications. By conducting thorough background checks, employers can make informed hiring decisions while minimizing the risks and liabilities. However, background check errors are not uncommon, so it is important for applicants to review their background check reports and to speak to a background check lawyer if you were denied employment because of background check errors.

WHEN TO SPEAK TO A BACKGROUND CHECK ATTORNEY

If you were denied employment because of background check report errors, you should speak to a background check attorney to help you dispute those errors and to seek relief in accordance with consumer protection laws. You. may be entitled to compensation and damages if you were denied employment because of errors in your background check report.

Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished litigator and author in consumer protection litigation. He serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation. If you were denied employment or housing because of a background check error, our Michigan background check lawyers can schedule you for a free phone or Zoom consultation. Please contact us by using our contact form below.

DEMYSTIFYING CREDIT REPORTS: A GUIDE TO YOUR CREDIT REPORT AFTER BANKRUPTCY

4/4/2024

MICHIGAN CREDIT REPORT LAWYERS

If you have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you should check your credit report approximately 45 days after your bankruptcy discharge to ensure that your credit report is accurate after bankruptcy. Common credit report errors after your bankruptcy can interfere with your ability to obtain credit after bankruptcy.

COMMON CREDIT REPORT ERRORS AFTER BANKRUPTCY

Post-bankruptcy credit report errors can take various forms, including:

Reporting you delinquent on discharged debt after bankruptcy.
Reporting you still owe a balance on discharged debt after bankruptcy.
Reporting one or more collections account related to discharged debt after bankruptcy.

You should not assume that the credit bureaus and furnishers will always report accurate credit information after your bankruptcy. Reviewing your credit report after bankruptcy with a credit lawyer can help you detect credit report errors and take the steps necessary to fix credit report errors.

WHY CREDIT REPORTS MATTER AFTER BANKRUPTCY?

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, including information about your financial accounts, borrowing and repayment of debt. Credit reports contains data and personal information about you such as address and date of birth, your credit accounts, payment history, outstanding balances, and any derogatory marks such as late payments.

Also, credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are not always identical and can contain different information. One or more of these credit reports can contain errors, while the other credit report(s) do not contain any errors. This is because the credit reporting agencies each have their own credit reporting procedures, which can lead to the reporting of different credit information or variances in credit reporting after bankruptcy.

Credit reports are used by lenders, landlords, and even employers to assess your creditworthiness. Therefore, an accurate credit report is essential. Good credit can lead to credit approvals, better loan terms, lower interest rates, and increased financial opportunities. On the other hand, a poor credit rating can limit your ability to obtain credit and lead to higher costs of credit.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN YOUR CREDIT REPORTS AFTER BANKRUPTCY?

Under federal law, consumers are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – once a year. You may visit annualcreditreport.com to request your reports. Reviewing your credit report regularly, and especially after bankruptcy, can help you detect credit report errors, identity theft, or even fraudulent activity.

Understand Your Credit Reports:
Credit reports contain various sections including:

Personal Information: This section typically includes your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current and previous addresses, and employment information.
Account Information: This section lists your credit accounts, including credit cards, loans, mortgages, and collection accounts. This can include open credit accounts, and closed credit accounts. These are referred to as tradelines. Tradelines contain details such as the account opening date, credit limit, current balance, and payment history.
Public Records: Public records information can also be listed, such as bankruptcies.
Credit Inquiries: This section lists the entities that have accessed your credit report. While soft inquiries (e.g., pre-approved offers) do not affect your score, hard inquiries (e.g., credit applications) can have a temporary impact.

IMPACT OF BANKRUPTCY ON CREDIT REPORTS

After your Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge, your discharged debt should be reported on your credit report as discharged or discharged in bankruptcy, and without an outstanding balance (such a $0 or zero balance).

Credit report errors after bankruptcy can lead to discharged accounts still being reported as due, owing or with a balance.  These types of credit report errors can negatively impact your debt-to-income ratio and could create a presumption of fraud or abuse if a discharged debt is not reporting as discharged. Additionally, prospective creditors/lenders could deny you credit or be reluctant to extend credit to you if your credit report lists other unpaid or delinquent accounts.  This makes sense.  Prospective creditors would be worried that if you are already delinquent on a credit account after bankruptcy, that they would be behind other existing creditor(s).  Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your credit reports are accurate after bankruptcy.

Checking your credit reports after a bankruptcy discharge and speaking to a knowledgeable credit attorney about your credit report after bankruptcy could save you time and expense.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT CREDIT REPORT ERRORS AFTER BANKRUPTCY?

If you find any errors or inaccuracies in your credit report after your bankruptcy, you can speak to an experienced credit attorney who can help you dispute these credit report errors with the credit agencies. Credit report errors after bankruptcy can be costly and limit your financial options. Disputing credit report errors can help you continue your path to a fresh start.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act grants consumers a private right of action against consumer reporting agencies (like the credit bureaus) and furnishers of consumer information (like the banks, credit card companies, collectors, or financial institutions that report the tradelines on your credit report). Many credit report lawyers will help you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you would not have to pay the attorney up front, and would only owe attorneys’ fees if the attorney recovers monetary compensation on your behalf.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CREDIT REPORT AFTER BANKRUPTCY? SPEAK TO A KNOWLEDGEABLE MICHIGAN CREDIT REPORT ATTORNEY AFTER BANKRUPTCY

Checking and understanding your credit report after bankruptcy can protect you from having errors on your credit report. By being proactive, you can spot credit report errors after your bankruptcy and work with an experienced credit lawyer to dispute credit report errors.

If you need help with your credit report after bankruptcy, we would be happy to schedule a free phone or Zoom consultation. Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished litigator and author in consumer protection litigation. He serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation. If you are the victim of identity theft and your credit report has been affected, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by calling us today or using the contact form below.

How to Dispute Identity Theft Errors on Your Credit Report

4/2/2024

IDENTITY THEFT AND YOUR CREDIT REPORT

Importance of an Accurate Credit Report
Your credit report is intended to document your financial history and history of payments. Having an accurate credit report is paramount, as this can affect your ability to secure loans, credit cards, and even job opportunities. Credit report errors can have a negative impact on your credit score, potentially leading to higher interest rates and even denials of credit applications

Finding Errors on Your Credit Report Due To Identity ThefT

The first step to dispute errors on your credit report is to review your credit report from all three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You should verify that the information is accurate and consistent and look for discrepancies in personal information, accounts, balances, and payment history. You should also be mindful of credit inquiries you do not recognize. Some types of common errors include incorrect personal information, which could lead to mixed files. Other errors may be accounts that do not belong to you, incorrect payment history, or outdated information.
Credit report errors caused by identity theft may include accounts you do not recognize or charges and balances that you did not incur.

GATHERING EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR IDENTITY THEFT CREDIT REPORT DISPUTE

If you find errors on your credit report due to identity theft, you should gather all relevant documentation to support your dispute including an FTC identity theft report. Other evidence could include police reports, sworn statements, bank statements, payment receipts, and/or any other documentary evidence so support your dispute. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be when disputing because of identity theft with the credit bureaus.

SUBMITTING AN IDENTITY THEFT CREDIT REPORT DISPUTE TO THE CREDIT BUREAUS

You can dispute errors on your credit report because of identity theft directly with the credit bureaus. You can dispute by mail, online, or over the phone. However, submitting a dispute in writing by mail affords you the ability to provide more information along with supporting documentation. When submitting your dispute of information on your credit report be sure to clearly identify the accounts and the errors you are disputing. You should include detailed explanations supported by any documentary evidence that you have.

Following Up on Your Dispute
After submitting your dispute to the credit bureaus, the credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate and respond to your claim.
The credit bureaus will forward your dispute to the furnisher. The furnisher is the entity that reports your financial accounts to credit bureaus.  For example, if you were the victim of identity theft and the cybercriminal opened a fraudulent account in your name with Bank A, then Bank A will report the account information on your credit report.  Bank A would be considered the furnisher.  Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, both the credit bureaus and Bank A are required to conduct a reasonable investigation of your dispute and to remove inaccuracies on your credit report.
Unfortunately, sometimes your dispute will not result in the removal of the inaccuracy, even in the case of identity theft.
In such cases, you have the right to add a statement of dispute to your credit report, but this is often little consolidation since the inaccuracy on your credit report still exists.  In such cases, you should speak to an identity theft lawyer about pursuing a civil action for damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You may be entitled to monetary compensation when the bureaus or furnisher fails to conduct a reasonable investigation of your dispute or the bureaus fail to follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of your credit reports.
Conclusion
Disputing errors on your credit report caused by identity theft can seem daunting.  However, a knowledgeable identity theft lawyer can help you dispute errors and correct inaccuracies. By understanding the process of disputing errors, you can help ensure the accuracy of your credit reports.

MICHIGAN IDENTITY THEFT LAWYERS CAN HELP YOU DISPUTE CREDIT REPORT ERRORS

If you need an identity theft lawyer to help you, our Michigan identity theft lawyers can help guide you through the process of gathering information to help with your dispute and if necessary, to file a lawsuit to enforce your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Because of laws that allow consumers to recover damages such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which contains fee-shifting provisions, our attorneys are able to offer you help on a contingent fee basis. This means that there is no upfront cost, and you will only pay attorneys' fees if we recover money for you. We have helped numerous consumers recover damages under the FCRA for inaccurate credit reporting, including identity theft and other credit report errors.
Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished litigator and author in consumer protection litigation. He serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation. If you are the victim of identity theft and your credit report has been affected, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by calling us today or using the contact form below.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

3/28/2024

IDENTITY THEFT, CREDIT REPORTS, AND PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Identity theft is the type of crime that is linked to your personal information and your credit report.

Common Identity Theft Scenarios:

A cybercriminal steals your personal information and then uses that information to open fraudulent accounts using your name and social security number.
A cybercriminal gains access to one of your accounts and can incur charges on your account for goods, services, and/or cash advances.
A cybercriminal gains access to your bank account and tries to send or transfer money from your account.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

Understanding the Threat of Identity Theft
One of the most important steps you can take is to first understand that the threat of identity theft is real and can have devastating consequences on your credit report and peace of mind. Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for personal information that can be used to steal someone's identity.

Securing Your Personal Information and Accounts
Protecting your personal information is crucial to preventing identity theft.

Avoid public wifi networks.
Use firewalls on your computers.
Use strong, unique passwords.
Do not share sensitive details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, and passwords with others or electronically.
Use secure websites for online transactions.
Avoid oversharing on social media.
Check your credit reports regularly for suspicious activity,such as unauthorized transactions or unfamiliar charges.
Monitor your accounts regularly.
Use multi-factor authentication.
Use alerts and notifications for transactions.
Check your web sessions for unrecognized activity or devices.
Immediately report any discrepancies or suspicious activity to your financial institution.

ADDITIONAL IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

Password Security
Create strong, unique passwords for online accounts to help prevent identity theft. Avoid easily guessable passwords and consider using a password manager to securely track of your credentials.

Be Wary of Phishing Scams - These Especially Target The Elderly - And Verify Communications
Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal personal information. Phishing scams often target the elderly because of their vulnerability and relative unfamiliarity with new technologies.
Phishing scams are not just limited to emails and malicious links, but can also occur by email, phone, text message. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for sensitive data. Verify the legitimacy of the sender before sharing any personal details.

Phishing scams usually involve cybercriminals pretending to from your bank, a creditor, utility provider, financial institution, or a governmental entity to obtain personal information from you.

If you receive a text message alert or notification, verify that the alert or notification is indeed from your bank or credit company by checking the number and contacting the bank or credit company for further verification.
If you receive an email purporting to be from one of the above, verify that sender's email address is indeed from your bank or financial institution and then contact your bank or financial institution for further verification.
If you receive a phone call purporting to be from one of the above, you can simply hang up and call back using a phone number belonging to the company or governmental authority for further verification.

Secure Your Devices
Ensuring the security of your devices is essential to protect against identity theft. Be sure to keep your software up to date, enable firewalls and antivirus software, and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, you can use personal hotspots with strong passwords and be sure to turn off visibility or sharing settings like Airdrop and bluetooth.

If you have a Wi-Fi network at home, you should set up guest networks so that nobody except you can use your personal network.

Conclusion
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent identity theft. However, it is better to be safe than sorry when you someone asks for your personal information or you suspect suspect identity theft, or a phishing scam. By understanding the risks, securing your personal information, monitoring your accounts, strengthening your passwords, being vigilant against phishing scams, and securing your devices, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERIENCED IDENTITY THEFT LAWYER IN MICHIGAN TODAY

Hadous|Co. has helped countless consumers fix credit report errors, and recover damages under the FCRA for inaccurate credit reporting and identity theft. Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished consumer litigation attorney and has helped clients recover millions. In addition, he serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation. If you are the victim of identity theft and your credit report has been affected, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by calling us today or by using the contact form below. We know how to help you fix mistakes on your credit report caused by identity theft.

background check lawyers

3/27/2024

BACKGROUND CHECK ERRORS

Background check errors can cost you a job. You may be entitled to damages. Speak to a background check lawyer today for a free Zoom consultation.

Unveiling the cause of background check errors

The Truth Behind Background Check Report Errors
Introduction
Are you one of the many individuals who have been left stunned by inaccuracies in your background check report? You're not alone. Background check report errors can be a source of great distress and frustration for those affected. Hopefully, we can shed some light on why these errors occur and what you can do about them.
Background Check Report Errors
Background check report errors can have a significant impact. From missed job opportunities to legal complications or housing denial, background check errors are serious. But why do these errors occur? Some background check errors are caused by clerical mistakes, unreliable information gathering procedures, outdated information, mixed files such as mistaken identity, and identity theft. Some or all of these can contribute to background check errors and inaccuracies in your background check report.

The Consequences of Background Check ERRORS

Imagine being denied a job or housing due to false information in your background check report. Background check errors can have damaging and serious consequences. You can be denied a job, lose an existing job, or be denied housing because of background check errors and false information in your background check report. Speak to a background check lawyer if you have suffered harm because of a background check error.

How To Correct Background Check Errors

If you discover errors in your background check report, you should take several steps to address inaccuracies promptly to mitigate potential harm, including the following:

Obtain a copy of the background check report that contains errors.
Compile any documentation necessary to refute the erroneous information in the background check report.
Contact the background check company to dispute the inaccuracies. Provide supporting documentation and request a correction of the background check errors.
Speak to a background check lawyer. If an erroneous background check has cost you a job or housing, you may be entitled to damages.

REGULAR MONITORING CAN HELP PREVENT BACKGROUND CHECK ERRORS

To help prevent or to at least minimize the impact or harm caused by background check report errors in the future, you should consider regularly checking your own background check reports. By staying updated and informed about the information contained in your background check reports, you may be able to address background check errors before these cost you a job or housing. By detecting background check errors early on, you can dispute errors in your background check report before these errors are able to affect future job applications, your existing employment, or housing applications.

SPEAK TO A BACKGROUND CHECK LAWYER TODAY

If you were denied a job or housing because of errors in your background check report, this can be extremely distressing. Background check report errors can be a source of confusion and distress, but this does not have to be a prolonged problem. By understanding the cause of background check errors, and the steps you can take to correct background check errors, you can protect yourself from the consequences of inaccurate information. If you were already denied a job or housing, a background check lawyer can help you pursue justice and you may be entitled to recover monetary damages based on the denial and resultant distress and humiliation.

Attorney Nick Hadous is a background check lawyer in Michigan and is licensed in Michigan, Arizona, and California. He has helped countless consumers recover damages for violations of consumer protection laws and inaccurate consumer reporting such as credit report errors. Mr. Hadous is a seasoned consumer litigation attorney who serves on the ICLE Litigation Advisory Board. He is also a published author in consumer protection litigation. If you have background check errors or have been harmed by errors on your background check report, contact us today for a free Zoom or phone consultation by calling us at (313) 415-5559 or by using the contact form below.

HOW IDENTITY THEFT AFFECTS CREDIT REPORTS

3/26/2024

Identity theft can affect your credit report

Identity theft can impact your credit report in several ways and can be devastating to your credit. Identity theft can result in fraudulent accounts that you did not open, and that do not belong to you, appearing on your credit report. Identity theft can also result in fraudulent charges that you did not authorize, or incur, appearing on your credit report. Regardless of the type of identity theft involved, the end result is the same on your credit report: inaccurate information about your personal credit history, credit accounts, and account balances is being reported.

Types Of Identity Theft:

Fraudulent Accounts: an identity thief can obtain your personal information such as social security number, date of birth, and address(es) and use this information to open one or more fraudulent accounts.
Fraudulent Charges: an identity thief can obtain your account or banking information and use this information to purchase goods or services or to send money from one of your accounts. This type of fraud is sometimes referred to as account takeover.

What To Do About Identity Theft:
If you are an identity theft victim, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your credit report such as:

Notifying the credit reporting agencies about the identity theft and fraud. The credit agencies can place a credit freeze on your credit reports to prevent further misuse of your personal information. The credit freeze restricts access to your credit reports. When you wish to apply for credit, you will be able to request that the freeze be lifted by contacting the credit reporting agency.
Make a police report. You should report the identity theft to your local police department and obtain a report number.
Obtain an Identity Theft Affidavit and Identity Theft Report from the FTC. An Identity Theft Report detailing the identity theft will be necessary to effectively dispute fraudulent items on your credit report.
Consider a credit monitoring service. A credit monitoring service can help alert you to any unusual activity or requests regarding your personal credit information or credit accounts.
Notify banks or other financial institutions of the identity theft and fraud. It is imperative to notify all banks, credit card companies, or financial institutions where the fraud occurred so that these accounts can be flagged for fraud and shut down.
Dispute identity theft credit report errors. If there are fraudulent accounts or fraudulent charges being reported on your credit report due to identity theft, you should dispute these credit report errors. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the dispute process requires that you contact the credit reporting agencies to dispute credit report errors. You can dispute information on your credit report in writing or online, but we recommend that you submit your dispute in writing and with as much detail as possible. Be sure to include copies of all supporting documentation, including any police reports, your Identity Theft Affidavit and Identity Theft Report. Be sure to send your dispute with tracking or other delivery confirmation. The credit reporting agencies will usually forward your dispute all furnishers of account information for disputed accounts/information on your credit report. If the credit reporting agencies fail to correct your credit report within 30 days of your dispute, you are able to file a lawsuit in court against the credit reporting agencies and furnishers.

We have helped countless consumers recover damages under the FCRA for inaccurate credit reporting. Our attorneys are accomplished litigators and published authors in consumer protection litigation. If you are the victim of identity theft and your credit report has been affected, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by using the contact form below.

HOW AN IDENTITY THEFT LAWYER CAN HELP YOU DISPUTE ERRORS ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT

3/25/2024

Identity Theft Lawyers & Credit Reports

Safeguarding Your Credit Report: How an Identity Theft Lawyer Can Protect You
Knowledge And Understanding Of Credit Reporting And Identity Theft Laws
Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal information for fraudulent purposes such as opening fraudulent accounts or making fraudulent charges. Identity theft often impacts credit reports since the fraudulent accounts are reported on your credit report. In response to the increasing prevalence of identity theft, there are several state and federal laws to help victims of identity theft recover. An identity theft lawyer is a legal professional who represents individuals who have been victims of identity theft and who can help you dispute identity theft on your credit report.
The Role of an Identity Theft Lawyer
An identity theft lawyer can help victims of identity theft navigate the complex legal process of reclaiming their stolen identity and fixing errors on their credit report. An identity theft lawyer’s role is to carry a big hammer, so to speak. Identity theft lawyers are well-versed in the laws and regulations governing identity theft and can provide expert guidance and representation to their clients. An identity theft lawyer can help you dispute fraudulent accounts on your credit report and even sue banks and creditors who refuse to correct your credit report. The threat of a lawsuit under the Fair Credit Reporting Act is one of the biggest benefits to having a lawyer on your side. At Hadous|Co. we handle identity theft on a continent fee basis. This means we do not charge uofront for attorneys’ fees, and you will not owe us any attorneys’ fees unless we recover damages on your behalf.
Benefits of Hiring An Identity Theft Lawyer
There can be several benefits to hiring an identity theft lawyer to help you if you have been a victim of identity theft and your credit report has been impacted by identity theft. Identity theft attorneys can help you understand your rights as a victim of identity theft, and help you gather and complete the necessary paperwork to provide to the credit agencies and furnishers such as banks and lenders who report information on your credit report. Typically, once you notify the credit agencies of the identity theft, dispute errors on your credit report, and provide supporting documentation to the credit agencies such as the Identity Theft Report, which is comprised of information from an Identity Theft Affidavit and police report, the credit agencies will have 30 days to investigate of your credit dispute. If the credit agency verifies that the information is accurate, or otherwise refuses to correct your credit report, an identity theft lawyer can help you file a lawsuit in court under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How to Choose the Right Identity Theft Lawyer
When choosing an identity theft lawyer to represent you in your credit dispute or identity theft lawsuit, it is important to look for an attorney with experience in handling identity theft cases. A good identity theft lawyer will have a track record of success in representing victims of identity theft and the trial and appellate level. Attorney Nick Hadous has represented consumers in hundreds of lawsuits alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including victims of identity theft victims. Mr. Hadous has also successfully appealed numerous FCRA cases on behalf of other law firms, including FCRA lawsuits involving post-bankruptcy credit reporting and the credit reporting obligations of furnishers (lenders). In addition, Mr. Hadous is also a contributor and published author for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) and has written extensively on consumer protection issues and the Fair Credit Reporting Act
If you have been a victim of identity theft, don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a free phone or Zoom consultation by using our contact form below.

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