Fair Credit Reporting Act

This Act gives you the right to learn what credit information is being distributed about you to credit reporting agencies. Everyone is entitled to receive a free copy of their credit report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies; Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. You can do this by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com, by calling 1-877-322-8228 or by mailing the request to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

The law also establishes procedures for correcting errors in your credit record and protects your privacy. When you receive a copy of your credit report it typically comes with a form (online or in paper form) that you need to complete in order to dispute an entry on your credit report. Complete the form and note each incorrect item, the reason it is incorrect and provide copies of any statements, letters, or other documentation that support your dispute. Send all of the information to the credit reporting agency. Always keep a copy of anything you send to your creditors or the credit reporting agencies.

Once the credit reporting agency receives your dispute letter they have 30 days to investigate your claim and get back to you with a response. If they were unable to verify that the information on the report was accurate they will remove the item.

If you don't hear from the credit reporting agency within 30 days, send them another letter. Also send the letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

How Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Protect Me?

FCRA protects you from having inaccurate or obsolete information on your credit report.

It regulates how long information can remain on your credit report. While good credit information can stay on your report indefinitely, there are rules regarding how long negative information can show.
Regulates who can look at your credit report. Only people or entities with a "permissible purpose" may access your credit report. These can include a credit lender, landlord, employer, insurance agency, and utility company.

Report FCRA violations to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); the FTC oversees all three of the major credit reporting agencies.

Letters & Forms

AFS is working hard to provide our clients with the most comprehensive forms to help you tackle your debt.

Please check back soon for letters and forms that you can use to communicate with creditors and agencies.

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