So Many Credit Scores – How do Consumers Manage?
Your credit score is an important factor that can affect your ability to buy a home, get a loan, open a credit card, receive a good interest rate and even get a job or insurance. When considering your credit score, you should be aware that there is more than one score and there is more […]
FICO vs FICO 8
Just when you feel it is hard enough to understand your credit score, FICO, the most widely used and most well known credit scoring model has introduced a new credit scoring system, referred to as FICO 8. FICO, or Fair Isaac Corporation, is the company that analyzes your credit information to predict what is likely […]
FCRA Compliance and Criminal History Background Reports
What Happens When a Background Report for a Job Application Picks Up A Conviction Greater Than 7 Years Old? Here’s the scenario: You go in for a job interview and the application asks if you have been convicted of a crime in the past 7 years. Maybe you have a record, but it dates back […]
Reinsertion of an Old Account on your Credit Report
After disputing inaccurate information on your credit report, can the same account or trade line be reinserted without notice? Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), the federal statute that was enacted to promote accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of the credit reporting agencies, there are very specific procedures […]
Robert, IN
I am completely satisfied with the work that your firm provided. The resolution is better than best case from our initial conversation. I am copying Andrew Wilson on this, because he did an outstanding job keeping me informed and talking me through options during the negotiations. I truly appreciate his efforts in this. I will […]
Social Media and Its Influence on Lending Decisions
Social media is the interactive means of communication where you can share with your information, ideas, and self-expression with the world. It is a way to stay connected with people both near and far. But what you may not realize is that social media accounts may also be used to make lending decisions based on […]
The Four Steps of an Employment Background Check
Employers conducting background checks of employees or prospective employees need to be aware of the the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) and its protection of their consumer reports. In 2013, when the FCRA was amended, employers were given additional responsibility to obtain permission and to perform follow-up prior to requesting a consumer report. An employer […]
Your Credit Score and the Law
Your credit history and credit report determine what you are financially eligible to receive in credit and loans. Knowing what is reported on your report and an awareness of the law will ensure you have the financial opportunities you are entitled to and worked so hard to get. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) is […]
Looking to Purchase a Home in 2019? Time to Clear Up your Credit
Buying a new home is more than likely the biggest purchase you will make in your life. While experts say that nearly 1/3 of homeowners have no mortgage loan, the remaining 2/3 need to make sure their credit is in tip-top shape to get the best mortgage rates available to them. Mortgage companies are relying […]
Casey B., Florida
I had an issue with a background report which caused me to lose a career opportunity. I wasn’t exactly sure if I even had a case at first. After doing some searching, I came across SmithMarco’s website, protectingconsumerrights.com. This was probably the best thing a google search has ever brought me to. SmithMarco, P.C got […]