Know Your Rights: Consumer Rights Protection

Whether you're being pursued by debt collectors, suffering from credit report problems or trying to navigate your way through a bankruptcy - you have rights - and we're here to help. SmithMarco, P.C., has over 30 years of combined experience practicing law protecting the rights of consumers around the country. If you feel that you're rights have been violated, please contact us for a free case review and we can put you in touch with an experienced lawyer.

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Recent Blog Posts:

A Guide to the Fair Credit Reporting Act

June 16, 2017

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, more commonly referred to as the FCRA, is the federal statute that was enacted to protect consumer rights in the credit reporting industry. This law is a consumer minded statute that ensures accuracy and fairness in reporting and dissemination of your financial information. The FCRA specifically outlines consumer rights but also sets guidelines for creditors, lenders and consumer reporting agencies. More >

Can Employers Make You Waive Rights When Doing a Background Check?

June 15, 2017

When going for an interview most employers want to conduct a background check. Employers want to delve into you personal and financial history to ensure that if you ace your interview there is nothing lurking in your credit that may raise a red flag. In order to conduct a background check, employers must receive your express consent and according to a recent decision in the Ninth Circuit court of appeals there is no way around it.More >

New FICO Scoring Model to Save Us from Medical Collections

June 06, 2017

As a consumer, understanding your FICO score is a useful tool to improving your credit. FICO is the most common credit scoring model used by creditors and lenders to make a decision on whether or not to lend you money. Because the lending industry is constantly changing, your FICO score needs to evolve too.More >

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act

May 12, 2017

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act is the statute enacted in 1974 that protects consumers from being discriminated against during a credit transaction based on race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age or use of public assistance. The law applies to any entity who participates in making a credit decision such as banks, retail stores, credit unions, finance companies, etc. When a consumer is in a position to be concerned about their ability to receive credit because of a poor credit history, knowing the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”) is there to protect you from being discriminated against can give you peace of mind that you should have a fair chance at obtaining approval.More >