Year: 2013

In the recent class action suit, Culberson v. The Walt Disney Company, Robert L. Culberson, (“Culberson”) filed suit against the defendant alleging it knowingly violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”).  The complaint states that The Walt Disney Company, (“Disney”) accessed Culberson’s credit file during the job application process and failed to comply with the […]

In a claim filed jointly by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) both agencies agreed that collection firm, Mel Harris & Associates, LLC et al (“Harris”), violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) when it allegedly intentionally failed to properly serve collection lawsuits on defendants by providing them […]

When applying for a credit card, you sign a contract agreeing to make monthly payments on your purchases, either in entirety or at an agreed upon minimum amount.  By signing the contract, you agree to make payments in full or be charged interest for paying less than the balance or for failing to make payment […]

Shoppers spend at least twice as much as normal during the month of December as opposed to other months.  Controlling your spending is tougher than ever.  The race to spend began as the Halloween decorations were being taken down.  But if you are aware of some simple facts about your credit, you can keep your […]

Each year you can pull your credit report for free.  Your credit report is the gateway to many aspects of your life.  If your credit report has errors or it is merged with another person, that doorway becomes harder to open.  Opening up a bank account, getting a car loan, obtaining a mortgage, rent an […]

FACTA (“Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act”) is a 2003 amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) drafted with the purpose of protecting consumers from the growing trend of identity theft.  The Act primarily demands privacy of disseminated information as well as limits how consumer information can be shared.  Since the enactment of FACTA, […]

Chances are pretty good that either you or someone you know will get a call from a debt collector in the course of your lifetime.  The collection call can be for a legitimate debt that you or your loved one have forgotten you owe or it can be for a debt that does not belong […]

By learning the basic facts about credit cards prior to owning one, you can rest easily knowing you will be a responsible and more financially savvy user.  Understanding the ins and outs of credit cards can make the difference between you using it responsibly or falling into the trap of financial doom. Store Cards vs. […]

In its never ending quest to improve the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) continues its mission to survey American consumers to determine which areas of debt collection are still causing consumers the greatest concern. In considering the public’s opinion up to this point, the CFPB has determined the […]

Your credit score can mean the difference between being denied or approved for credit, and at what type of interest rate.  A good credit score can help you qualify for a mortgage loan, rent an apartment, be approved for a credit card and even help you get utilities connected without a deposit.  Bad credit on […]