Year: 2015

As the year comes to a close, debt is a common concern for many consumers.  Whether you were a little less than conservative during the holiday season or accrued debt during the year that you have not been able to pay off, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) will protect you from debt collectors. […]

In 2009 the Federal Government signed into law the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act, or Credit CARD Act.  This law was aimed at improving the industry for consumers and stopping the overall abusive practices of the credit card business.  In 2011, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), the agency in charge of consumer […]

As discussed in the last blog how consumers have a variety of credit scores, consumers also have a variety of consumer reports. Beyond the credit reports from each of the three big credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union, consumers have specialty reports that are used to provide different types of data to lenders […]

The more you learn about your credit the more you understand the importance of maintaining a good credit score.  In fact, most credit reporting agencies now offer a “free score” with a copy of your report so that you can ensure your score is decent enough to earn you favorable interest rates, new credit and […]

Going in for a job interview can be intimidating all on its own.  Couple that with your potential employer conducting an employee background check and the entire process can be down right scary.  Whether you are hired or fired may depend on the information found in your credit report or a background report, however the […]

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), is the federal statute that was created to ensure accuracy and privacy of consumer information.  Its purpose is to protect consumers from distribution of inaccurate information contained in reports as well as the privacy of their information.  To this end, the FCRA sets guidelines on who can access a […]

As we get closer to holiday time – and holiday shopping, it’s a good idea to check your credit report before subjecting yourself to the multitude of credit applications we may be going through while trying to take advantage of the best holiday deals.  Take the time to review your accounts and make sure your […]

As the year is coming to a close, now is a better time than ever to order a copy of your credit report, especially consumers who have not taken advantage of their free copy from annualcreditreport.com.  After receiving a copy of your report from all three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, and […]

Recent studies show that almost half of American consumers don’t check their credit report on a regularly basis, almost one third have never seen a copy of their report and over half don’t know what their credit score is.  This number is frighteningly high considering the fact that your credit is essential to your financial […]

It is becoming more and more common practice for employers to conduct background checks of their current and potential employees.  Background checks are helpful to employers who are looking for more information regarding a potential job applicant and a useful tool to monitor existing employees.  While employers are entitled to perform background checks, they must […]