Three credit bureaus--Experian, Equifax and Trans Union--have files on virtually everyone's credit history. The files often have inaccurate information. The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives consumers the right to ask the credit bureaus to correct their records. In order to get their reports corrected, consumers must first send letters to the credit bureaus specifying the inaccurate information. In most cases, the credit bureaus then check with the company that provided the erroneous information. The company furnishing the information is supposed to investigate the dispute and resolve it. However, this process does not always work. When the process fails, the consumer may consider retaining an attorney to file a lawsuit for damages and for a court order to correct his or her report.

Some consumers' credit reports are inaccurate because the credit bureaus are mixing their file with someone else's file. Other consumers' reports are wrong because they are victims of identity theft. Other consumers' files are inaccurate because debt collectors have "re-aged" old debts so they stay on the consumers' credit reports long after they should have been removed. Other credit reports are inaccurate because the reporting agency has misread the court record, or is confusing the consumer with someone who has a criminal record.

We also represent consumers whose credit reports were provided to people who do not have a legal right to look at their reports. Looking at a consumer's credit report without their permission and without a legal "permissible purpose" is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and an invasion of the consumer's privacy.

In handling these FCRA case, we have sued all three major credit reporting agencies -- Experian, Trans-Union and Equifax - as well as corporate defendants like Capital One Bank and CitiFinancial.

We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis so you do not have to pay our fees. Under the FCRA, if the plaintiff wins the case, the defendants that violated the FCRA must pay their fees and costs. If we think you have a good case, we will take it on a contingent fee basis.

For more information, please go to our separate website, www.califcreditlaw.com.