A single error on your credit report can create unexpected, messy problems for you. Maybe it’s a loan you never took out, a debt that should have been erased, or a payment marked late when you paid on time.

These mistakes aren’t just frustrating—they can block you from buying a home, getting a car, or landing a job. If you spot errors on your credit report, don’t just cross your fingers and hope for the best. You have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and a consumer protection attorney like our team at Matthew L. Collins Law Office can help you enforce the protections you deserve.

Why Do Credit Report Errors Happen?

Credit reports are supposed to give lenders, landlords, and employers a clear picture of your financial history. But mistakes slip through the cracks. Sometimes, a creditor reports a payment late by accident. Other times, an old debt sticks around long after it’s paid off. Identity theft can plant accounts on your record that you never opened. Even a simple typo can cause major headaches.

Know Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

The FCRA gives you the power to challenge errors on your credit report. Here’s what you can do:

  • Request your obligatory free copy of your credit report from each major bureau every year.
  • Dispute any item you believe is wrong.
  • Have mistakes corrected or removed—usually within 30 days.

But sometimes, simply filing a dispute isn’t enough. Credit bureaus or creditors might ignore your request or refuse to fix the mistake. That’s where an attorney consumer protection expert steps in.

How a Consumer Protection Attorney Can Help

At Matthew L Collins, we handle fabricated debts and credit report disputes from start to finish. Here’s how we will work for you:

  • Investigating and Gathering Evidence
    • A consumer protection attorney will start by reviewing your credit report and identifying every error. We will collect proof—like payment records, letters, or police reports if identity theft is involved—to back up your claim.
  • Filing Formal Disputes
    • Your attorney will send detailed, written disputes to the credit bureaus and the creditors reporting the error. By law, creditors must investigate and respond, usually within 30 days.
  • Demanding Proof
    • We won’t just accept vague answers, but will require credit bureaus and creditors to show evidence for what they’ve reported. If they can’t, they are legally obligated to fix or remove the error.
  • Challenging Unfair Practices
    • If a bureau or creditor refuses to correct a clear mistake, we will be ready to escalate. The FCRA lets you sue for damages if your rights are violated. You should be ready to negotiate or take your case to court.
  • Pursuing Compensation
    • If a credit report error costs you money, a job, or peace of mind, you may be entitled to damages. Your consumer protection attorney at the Law Office of Matthew L. Collins should help you seek compensation for your losses and for the stress these mistakes cause.

Find a Consumer Protection Attorney Near Lawrenceburg, KY

Errors on your credit report can derail your plans and your peace of mind. If you’ve found a mistake, don’t wait. Contact the Law Office of Matthew L. Collins—your consumer protection attorney near Lawrenceburg, KY.

At the Law Office of Matthew L. Collins in Lawrenceburg, KY, we help people across Central Kentucky—including Anderson, Woodford, and Fayette counties—fight back against credit report errors. Our team knows how to take on credit bureaus and creditors, demand answers, and get results. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you fight back. Don’t let credit report errors hold you back; take control of your credit and your future.

Schedule your free consultation today. We will use our expertise guide you through the process, and counsel based on what is best for you.