Frequently Asked Questions
If you are sued for a debt, you want to make sure an Answer is filed on your behalf within the court’s required timeframe. Then, you may want to raise strong legal defenses to avoid being required to pay the debt or negotiate a reasonable settlement. To avoid receiving a Default Judgment or losing your case, hire an attorney if you do not understand legal processes.
To ensure that inaccurate information is not being reported on your credit, you may want to request a credit report at least once a year or before a major purchase. Each credit bureau, such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, now allows consumers to receive a free copy of their credit report weekly.
You may request a free credit report by:
Calling 1-877-322-8228 (processed and mailed within 15 days);
Visiting AnnualCreditReport.com (immediate access); or
Completing the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mailing it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service P.O. Box 105281 Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
(processed and mailed within 15 days of receipt of request)
Federal law provides consumers with the right to receive an additional free credit report if:
You are denied employment, insurance, credit, or an adverse action has been taken against you because of your credit report.
You receive public benefits and/or assistants.
You are unemployed and will look for a job within the next 60 days.
You are a victim of identity theft or fraud.
Your state’s laws provide its residents with additional free credit reports.
A company can review your credit report when you apply for a loan, credit card, insurance, car lease, or an apartment. If you agree in writing, a current or potential employer may also review your credit report.
You should dispute each error you find on your credit report with each credit bureau that is reporting the errors. Each of your disputes should be in writing, identify each error in detail, include your supporting documents, address the specific credit bureau, and be sent through certified mail to each credit bureau reporting the errors. Download a free Credit Report Dispute Letter.
Federal law gives you the right to file a lawsuit against a credit bureau that fails to reasonably investigate your dispute or correct your credit report after you file a dispute. If your lawsuit is successful, you may also be entitled to monetary damages and attorneys’ fees.