Consumer Protection

Millions of Americans have false or inaccurate information on their credit files.  A certain amount of these inaccuracies can lead to credit or insurance denials.  It is not only important to check your credit regularly, but also to make sure to dispute inaccurate...

You apply for a job and go in for the interview.  Everything goes well.  The employer is eager to have you on board.  You are hired, pending routine background check.  Then a few days later, you receive a letter from that employer that tells you that they cannot hire...

SmithMarco, P.C.’s managing partner, Larry Smith, met with The Rideshare Guy, Harry Campbell earlier this year on a podcast.  The discussion was about background checks being utilized by rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft.  Many drivers are being blocked from...

The first thing most consumers look at when it comes to their credit is their credit score.  However, as we have written here in our blog, a credit score completely depends upon the information in the credit report.  Thus, it is most important that you view your...

Consumer’s that suffer from debt problems may notice some accounts reporting a “charge-off” on a credit report.  There is a lot of confusion on just what this means.  Does it mean the debt is no longer owed?  Can the creditor still pursue it?  And, how long can it be...

When it comes to conducting background checks for employment purposes, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies to protect consumers.  But that is not the case in every instance.  The FCRA does not cover all background checks.  It covers most. When Does the FCRA...

Many Americans looking at their credit reports will find errors of some sort on them.  Some of these errors can be detrimental to their credit standing and harm their ability to obtain credit.  When finding an error on your credit report, the first thing to do –...

Getting served with a lawsuit by a creditor can be an extremely lonely and deflating feeling.  Many Americans are in debt and unable to pay all of their bills.  When someone is having a hard enough time making ends meet, it can be made worse when the pressure of a...

Often times, one will review their credit report and find information that is completely alien to them.  Accounts or addresses that have no relation to the consumer.  Often, the initial reaction is to assume identity theft – someone got a hold of your information and...

Many people have come to us with the question of what “meets FCRA requirements” means on their credit report. Often times, an account being reported will have this comment attached to it. Every time, it is an account that the consumer had once issued a dispute over....