fcra

How Much Money Can You Get from a Successful FCRA Lawsuit?

If your credit report contains false information, and the credit reporting agencies or furnishers fail to fix it after you dispute it, you may have the right to sue under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). One of the first questions people ask is: How much money can I actually recover if I win?

The answer depends on how the law was violated, and how badly you were harmed.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s possible in an FCRA case.

Statutory Damages: Up to $1,000

If the credit reporting agency (or the company that reported the information) willfully violated the law, you can recover statutory damages even if you can’t prove you lost any money. These range from $100 to $1,000 per violation.

A willful violation occurs when a company knowingly or recklessly ignores its responsibilities under the FCRA.

Actual Damages: No Set Limit

If you’ve suffered harm, financially or emotionally, as a result of credit reporting errors, the law allows you to recover those actual damages. This could include:

  • Higher interest rates or loan denials

  • Loss of housing or job opportunities

  • Emotional distress — especially in cases of repeated or egregious errors

  • Out-of-pocket expenses from trying to fix the mistake

There is no cap on how much you can recover in actual damages, but you’ll need proof to back up your claim. In some cases, actual damages have reached tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially when the error caused serious and lasting consequences.

Punitive Damages: For Serious Violations

In willful violation cases, courts may also award punitive damages. Punitive damages is money awarded to punish the credit bureau or furnisher and deter future misconduct.

Punitive damages are not appropriate in every case and the burden of proof is high. But when they are awarded, the amounts can be significant. For example, some courts have upheld six and seven-figure punitive awards where the conduct was particularly egregious.

Attorneys’ Fees and Costs: Paid by the Other Side if You Win

One of the most important protections the FCRA gives consumers is this: If you win your case, the credit bureau or furnisher has to pay your legal fees and court costs. This important protection allows people of ordinary means to hire good lawyers and pursue these cases without going broke because most FCRA lawyers take these cases on contingent fees with no up front costs.

Example: How FCRA Damages Add Up

Let’s say your credit report wrongly shows a repossessed car loan that was never yours. You dispute it three times, but the credit bureau never fixes it. As a result, you have to settle for a more expensive rental and spend months stressing over your finances.

A successful lawsuit could potentially recover:

  • $1,000 in statutory damages if the defendant acted willfully

  • $10,000 in higher housing costs

  • $15,000 in emotional distress

  • Attorney’s fees (covered by the other side)

That’s $26,000+, without even accounting for potential punitive damages.

Bottom Line: You Have Rights. And Options

The credit reporting agencies and furnishers don’t always take consumer disputes seriously. But when they violate the law, you can fight back — and recover money for the harm they’ve caused.

If you've disputed a credit report error and the mistake still hasn’t been fixed, you may have a strong FCRA claim. Talking to an experienced consumer protection attorney can help you understand your rights and what your case might be worth. If you live in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, feel free to contact us.

Serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

Tired of fighting a credit report error on your own? Book a free consult with FCRA attorney Todd Murray today.

Since 2009, Todd has helped people across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin fix credit report errors and reclaim their finances. He’s recovered millions of dollars for clients and corrected all kinds of credit reporting mistakes. Originally from Wisconsin, and now based in the Twin Cities, clients describe Todd as professional, approachable, and easy to work with.

What to Do When a Credit Reporting Agency Won’t Fix an Error

You found an error on your credit report and sent a dispute letter to the Credit Reporting Agency. You even included documents to back up your case. But about month later, you got a response from the credit bureau saying the account is “verified” or “accurate.”

Now what?

Unfortunately, this is a common, and incredibly frustrating, experience. But you’re not out of options. Here’s what you can do if a credit reporting agency refuses to correct a credit report error after your first dispute.

Step 1: Review the Response Carefully

Your first step is to clearly understand the results of the investigation. Did they keep the mistake on your report? Or did they fix it? This isn’t always obvious and it may help to compare the updated report you got as part of the investigation results with your old report from before you disputed.

It’s also important to know if they actually investigated your dispute. Although CRAs are generally required to investigate disputes, there are some exceptions. For example, if you failed to provide enough information with your dispute, the CRA may not have been able to conduct an investigation.

Step 2: Consider Disputing Again and Include More Information

Take another look at your initial dispute letter. Did you clearly identify the account that is wrong? Did you explain the mistake in enough detail? Did you send documents that show the error? If not, consider sending a second dispute letter with a clearer explanation or stronger supporting documentation.

Don’t just send the same dispute letter a second time. CRAs can properly refuse to investigate a dispute if it’s substantially the same as a previous dispute, or if it provides no new information.

Step 3: Dispute with the Furnisher (the Company That Reported the Error)

You can also send a written dispute directly to the company that reported the inaccurate information. They are called the “furnisher” and include banks, lenders, credit card companies, and debt collectors. Include a clear explanation of the error and all supporting documentation.

Important: only do this if you’ve already disputed to the Credit Bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, etc) and they’ve failed to fix the error. Direct disputes to furnishers are typically not governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and you don’t have any meaningful recourse if the furnisher ignores your dispute.

Step 4: File a Complaint with the CFPB or State Attorney General

If you’re getting nowhere, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB will forward your complaint to the credit bureau or furnisher and require a response. This process sometimes leads to faster resolutions.

You should also file a complaint with your state regulator. Minnesota residents should file a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General and Wisconsin residents should complain to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

Step 5: Talk to a Consumer Protection Lawyer

If you’ve completed Steps 1-4 here, and the mistake has still not been fixed, it may be time to talk to an attorney who handles credit reporting cases.

A lawyer can help you determine your next steps and whether you may have a legal claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Many lawyers who handle credit reporting error cases provide a free consult and do not charge up front fees for representation. If you live in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, feel free to contact us.

Final Thoughts

It’s incredibly frustrating when you do everything right and the system still fails you. But remember: You have rights. Credit bureaus and furnishers don’t get the final say when they don’t follow the law.

Serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

Tired of fighting a credit report error on your own? Book a free consult with FCRA attorney Todd Murray today.

Since 2009, Todd has helped people across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin fix credit report errors and reclaim their finances. He’s recovered millions of dollars for clients and corrected all kinds of credit reporting mistakes. Originally from Wisconsin, and now based in the Twin Cities, clients describe Todd as professional, approachable, and easy to work with.

How to Recover from Identity Theft and Repair Your Credit Report

Identity theft can feel overwhelming, violating, and deeply unfair. It happens when someone uses your personal information, like your name, Social Security number, or account details, to open new accounts or rack up charges in your name.

If this has happened to you, you're not alone. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 17.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft in just one year. But there are concrete steps you can take to stop the fraud, clean up your credit, and reclaim your peace of mind. Here's how to recognize the signs and what to do if you've become a victim.

How to Spot Identity Theft

The sooner you catch identity theft, the easier it is to limit the damage. Here’s what to watch for:

Check your credit reports regularly
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re entitled to one free report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Get yours at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official source.

Tip: Stagger your requests (one bureau every four months) to keep tabs on your credit year-round for free.

Look for red flags:

  • Accounts you didn’t open

  • Credit inquiries from companies you never applied to

  • Incorrect personal information (like unfamiliar addresses or Social Security number digits)

  • Balances that seem too high on your current accounts

Monitor your bills and mail:
Don’t ignore strange bills, collection notices, or calls about debts you don’t recognize. These are often the first signs someone has stolen your identity.

8 Steps for Recovering From Identity Theft

Step 1: Contact the companies where fraud occurred

Call each creditor’s fraud department. Ask them to close or freeze the account immediately. Document every call: date, time, the name of the person you spoke to, and what was said.

STEP 2: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports

A fraud alert is free and lasts for 90 days (you can renew it). It signals to lenders that they must verify your identity before opening new accounts. You only need to contact one bureau — they’ll notify the others.

  • Extended fraud alert: If you’ve filed a police report or an Identity Theft Report, you can request an extended alert that lasts seven years.

  • Credit freeze: Consider freezing your credit, which blocks access to your reports entirely. In Minnesota, identity theft victims can do this for free.

STEP 3: File a report with the FTC

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and create a personalized recovery plan. Print and save the report — it’s called an Identity Theft Report and is a critical part of the recovery process.

STEP 4: Consider filing a police report

Some creditors or bureaus may require one. When you go to the police department to file the report, make sure to bring the following documents:

  • A copy of your FTC report

  • Your government-issued ID

  • Proof of your address

  • Any evidence of the theft

Ask for a copy of the police report and keep it in your records.

STEP 5: Close Fraudulent Accounts and Reverse Unauthorized Charges

List every fake account and any unauthorized charges on your real accounts. Then:

  • Contact the creditor’s fraud department

  • Send your FTC report and police report

  • Request written confirmation that accounts were closed and you won’t be held responsible

Keep all letters and responses.

STEP 6: Dispute Fraudulent Items with the Credit Bureaus

Write a dispute letter to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Include:

  • A copy of your credit report with fraud items circled

  • Your FTC Identity Theft Report (and police report, if available)

  • A clear request to block the fraudulent items from your report

You can find sample letters at IdentityTheft.gov. Save all correspondence.

STEP 7: Notify Any Debt Collectors Involved

If you're being contacted about debts you didn’t create, don’t ignore it.

  • Send a written letter explaining the identity theft

  • Include your FTC and police reports, plus any letters from creditors clearing you

  • Request they stop contacting you and remove the debt

Keep a log of collection calls and save all letters.

STEP 8: Get Legal Help if Disputes Aren’t Resolved

If the credit bureaus refuse to remove fraudulent accounts, or if collectors keep harassing you, don’t fight alone. Consumer protection laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) give you powerful rights.

A consumer protection who handles identity theft cases can:

  • Force credit bureaus and creditors to correct your report

  • Stop illegal collection activity

  • Help you sue if your rights were violated

In many cases, these laws allow you to recover damages — and make the wrongdoers pay your attorney’s fees.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from identity theft takes time, patience, and documentation, but you can take control. The steps above aren’t just helpful; they’re your legal rights. Keep records, follow up persistently, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

Tired of fighting a credit report error on your own? Book a free consult with FCRA attorney Todd Murray today.

Since 2009, Todd has helped people across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin fix credit report errors and reclaim their finances. He’s recovered millions of dollars for clients and corrected all kinds of credit reporting mistakes. Originally from Wisconsin, and now based in the Twin Cities, clients describe Todd as professional, approachable, and easy to work with.

Your Rights Under the FCRA: How to Sue When a Credit Bureau Breaks the Rules

You found a serious error on your credit report. Maybe it’s a loan you never took out, or a delinquency that’s just plain wrong, or even someone else’s account showing up under your name. You did everything right: you filed a dispute with the credit bureau, explained the problem, and waited.

But they didn’t fix it.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you may have a legal claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

What Is the FCRA and How Does it Protect Me?

The FCRA is a federal law that regulates how credit reporting agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion handle your credit information. It also applies to the companies (like banks, lenders, or debt collectors) that supply the data. These companies are called “furnishers” under the FCRA because they provided, or furnish, credit information to the credit bureaus.

Probably the most important consumer protection under the FCRA is the process to investigate and remove inaccurate information. Here, the FCRA requires credit reporting agencies and furnishers to investigate credit report errors after you notify them there’s a problem. These investigations must be reasonably detailed and thorough and include a review of all relevant information.

The FCRA Is on Your Side — If You’ve Taken the Right First Step

The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you real legal tools, but only after you take a crucial first step: filing a written dispute with the credit bureau.

Once you do that, the law is clear. The credit bureau must:

  • Conduct a reasonable investigation into the error,

  • Correct or delete inaccurate information if the dispute is valid,

  • And respond within 30 days of receiving your dispute.

But here’s the problem: many credit bureaus rely on automated systems that do little more than match dispute codes to canned responses. If they don’t actually investigate or if they blow you off entirely, that’s not just unfair. It’s illegal.

Depending on how serious their violation is, here’s what you may be entitled to:

  • Willful violations: Up to $1,000 in statutory damages, plus any actual damages (like lost credit opportunities, higher interest rates, or emotional distress).

  • Negligent violations: You can still recover actual damages — if you can prove the harm you suffered.

Even better? If you win your case, the law requires the credit bureau to pay your attorney fees and costs. This means that most FCRA lawyers will handle your case without any up-front attorney fees.

So if you've disputed the mistake and nothing changed, the law is now in your corner and it's time to fight back.

What to Do Next

If you've already disputed an error on your credit report and the credit bureau still hasn’t fixed it, you may have a valid FCRA claim. That means you could be entitled to financial compensation, correction of the error, and the credit bureau could be forced to pay your attorney fees.

Here's how a FCRA lawyer can help you now:

  • Review your documents — your dispute letter, the bureau’s response, and your credit report.

  • Evaluate your legal options — whether the bureau broke the law, and if a lawsuit is the right next move.

  • Handle the case from start to finish — no up-front costs, no guessing, and no fighting alone.

You did your part. You followed the rules. Now it’s time to make them follow the law.

Contact an experienced FCRA lawyer today to finally fix the damage they’ve caused. If you live in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, feel free to contact us.

Serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

Tired of fighting a credit report error on your own? Book a free consult with FCRA attorney Todd Murray today.

Since 2009, Todd has helped people across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin fix credit report errors and reclaim their finances. He’s recovered millions of dollars for clients and corrected all kinds of credit reporting mistakes. Originally from Wisconsin, and now based in the Twin Cities, clients describe Todd as professional, approachable, and easy to work with.

How to Get Your Free Credit Report and Understand It

Let’s say you just found out that there is a mistake on your credit report. Maybe a lender turned down your loan application because of a delinquency that you know isn’t right. Or maybe a landlord denied your rental application because of a late payment that you know was actually on-time. Or maybe an account that isn’t yours popped up on your credit monitoring service. Either way, your next step is to get a full copy of your credit report to figure out what caused the mistake and start the process of fixing it.

How to Get Your Credit Report for Free

You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) every 12 months. Use the website AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free copy. This is the only website to get your free report. Beware of imposter websites.

You can also order your free report over the phone by calling (877) 322-8228 or by mail by filling out this form and mailing it to Annual Credit Report Request Service; P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348.

You can order all three reports at once, or you can stagger the reports every couple of months so that you can monitor your credit reports throughout the year. Consider using this staggering technique before you pay for a credit monitoring product.

Your credit report won't contain your credit score, but there are a couple of easy ways to get it. First, many credit cards provide your credit score on each billing statement. If you have credit cards, check your billing statements to see if your score is provided. Another way to get it is to buy it from one of the credit bureaus. You can also buy your credit score at any time from MyFICO.com. Keep in mind that your credit score may be different depending on who you buy it from.

How to Know What You’re Looking At On Your Credit Report

A credit report is not the same as a credit score. It’s a detailed history of your credit activity, and it’s what lenders use to decide whether they trust you to repay a loan or credit line. Your credit report includes:

  • Personal Information. Your name, addresses, Social Security number (last 4 digits), date of birth, and employment history.

  • Account Information. All your open and closed credit accounts, including credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and student loans. It shows balances, payment history, and whether you’ve been on time.

  • Public Records. Bankruptcies and possibly tax liens or judgments (though these are less common now).

  • Credit Inquiries. A list of companies that have recently checked your credit, either because you applied for something or through a soft pull (like when you check your own credit).

How to Read Your Credit Report Without Getting Lost

Credit reports can feel a bit technical, but here’s how to break it down:

Check for accuracy:

  • Is your name spelled correctly?

  • Are all listed addresses places you’ve actually lived?

  • Do all accounts belong to you?

  • Are the balances and payment histories accurate?

  • Are any accounts marked “late” when you know you paid on time?

  • If you’ve filed bankruptcy in the past, are there any accounts that were wiped out that still show a balance due?

Watch for red flags:

  • Accounts you don’t recognize (could be fraud or a mixed file)

  • Duplicate listings of the same debt

  • Collections or charge-offs that don’t belong to you

  • Very old debts that should’ve dropped off your report

  • Addresses that you never lived at (could indicate fraud or a mixed file)

What to Do If You Find an Error

If you notice anything wrong, even something small, don’t ignore it.
Errors can hurt your credit score and lead to higher interest rates, loan denials, or lost housing and job opportunities.

Start by:

  • Gathering proof (statements, letters, screenshots)

  • Sending a written dispute to the credit bureaus.

  • Keeping copies of everything you send

You can file disputes online, but mailing a written dispute gives you more legal protection.

Final Thoughts

Getting and reading your credit report might seem intimidating at first, but it’s one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to protect your financial future.

You have a right to a clear and accurate report, and understanding what’s on it puts you in control.

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