Richmond Consumer Protection Attorney

Addressing Consumer Rights Violations

State and federal law ensures numerous protections for consumers from unfair or unlawful practices by credit reporting, background check, and collection agencies. These agencies are required to maintain accurate information about consumers concerning their debts, credit files, and personal histories; in addition, these companies must refrain from harassment tactics when collecting on debts, inaccurately reporting credit information, and refusing to correct any mistakes following a consumer dispute. Unfortunately, many agencies do not adhere to these legal requirements—and attempting to remedy their errors can be extremely burdensome. These companies may report incorrect and false credit and background information, attempt to collect on expired loans, or otherwise engage in unfair and illegal practices. If your consumer rights have been violated in any way, you could take action to pursue relief—such as compensation—from the offending party. However, going up against these companies on your own can be difficult and not provide you the results you are due under the law. That is why here at Flores Law, attorney Stephen Flores is committed to providing exceptional representation to consumers who are in need of assistance against these agencies.

At Flores Law, PLLC, our Richmond consumer protection attorney is passionate about helping those who have been treated unjustly by these companies. Attorney Stephen Flores understands the adverse impacts of having inaccurate information on a credit report or the stress of being harassed by a collection agency. That is why we leverage our in-depth understanding of consumer law combined with litigation experience to identify which legal remedies will provide our clients the best possible outcome.

Schedule a free initial consultation with our consumer protection attorney in Richmond by calling us at (804) 315-0810 or contacting us online.

Consumers Are Protected from Unfair or Unlawful Practices

Consumer protection laws protect consumers from unfair or unlawful practices by credit reporting, background checks, and collection agencies. These measures are designed to ensure that individuals are not taken advantage of and provide vehicles for reporting and addressing inaccuracies or harassment.

Inaccurate Credit Reports and Background Checks

The Fair Credit Reporting Act guarantees each and every consumer the right to fair and accurate credit reports and background checks. An accurate credit report is essential to determining a person’s creditworthiness when applying for loans, mortgages, lines of credit, or any other financial product. And when companies fail to adhere to their legal obligations, the consumer often suffers.

In addition, consumers can often suffer from identity theft, resulting in credit and background reports that are filled with false and inccorect information. Under federal law, the companies must correct and remove any fraudlent accounts steming from the identity theft; however, it is often tough to get these false items removed, creating numerous financial and emotional hardships for the consumer.

Potential consequences of inacurrate credit or background reports include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Loan denials, including those for vehicles, mortgages, and lines of credit;
• Increased interest rates, resulting in higher monthly payments;
• Housing application denials, making it difficult to find a place to live; and
• Employment rejections, creating financial hardships.

If you notice adverse information in your credit reports, you have the right to bring the issue to the attention of the reporting agency. These companies must then investigate and correct any errors. However, you might feel intimidated or frustrated when dealing with these companies—or, they might not correct the issue at all. That is why here at Flores Law, attorney Stephen Flores will provide diligent and tireless representation for you to correct these inaccuracies and obtain the compensation you deserve. When you hire Flores Law, you can rest assured knowing that you have an advocate working to protect your rights and best interests—above all else.

Exploring Further Unjust Practices

It is alarming that the entities entrusted with making sure that a consumer’s credit, background, and collections information is current and accurate could be engaging in unjust practices. These egregious acts can not only damage a consumer’s financial standing but can also cause emotional distress.

Below are examples of unjust practices:

• Credit report errors: Credit reporting agencies are responsible for ensuring that all credit report information is correct and up to date. Still, some report the wrong payment status or balances. They might even show that a consumer is delinquent on a loan when they are not.
• Identity theft: Another person might unlawfully use a consumer’s personal identifying information, such as their name, date of birth, or Social Security number, to open a loan or apply for other financial products.
• Debt collection harassment: Collections agencies must adhere to strict regulations outlined by the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA). The law prohibits collectors from engaging in harassing or deceptive tactics when attempting to collect payments from consumers. They cannot use abusive language against consumers. They must also only contact consumers at certain times and cannot disclose information about the debt to any third parties.
• Unlawful debt collections: Collections agencies must provide consumers with accurate information about the debt owed. Sometimes, they try to collect on expired debts or those belonging to someone else. They might even give misleading information about the debt to the consumer.

Whatever your situation is, learn about your consumer rights and options by reaching out to Flores Law, PLLC.

Possible Remedies Available to Consumers

Individuals subject to unjust practices by credit reporting, background check, or collections companies can take several actions to seek recourse. They can file a complaint with the appropriate agency, outlining the nature of the injury. The agencies are responsible for investigating claims and taking steps to remedy the situation.

Depending on the circumstances, remedies can include reimbursement of actual losses or a monetary judgment, even if finances were not directly affected.

When pursuing legal recourse, hiring a consumer protection attorney in Richmond can be extremely beneficial. And attorney Stephen Flores has the experience and knowledge to assist you in achieving the most favorable outcome for your situation.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

At Flores Law, PLLC, we fully evaluate matters involving consumer rights violations. We advise our clients on appropriate legal action, such as bringing claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and more to help negotiate settlements and gain compensation in court.

To speak with us about your case, please call (804) 315-0810 or submit an online contact form today.