Consumer Center

Dispute Credit Report Errors – Keeping Your Credit Report Accurate

October 6, 2016 by Consumer Center

It is important that your credit report contains accurate information about you. Inaccurate information about your debt or past payments can have negative consequences. Unfortunately, creditors do not always report your credit history fairly or accurately.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, is a federal law that promotes your right to have accurate information presented in your credit report. It is the responsibility of your creditors to report your information to the credit bureaus and correct any errors in your credit report.

Once you have settled a debt or paid it in full, your creditors are required by law to report the change promptly. They must also update your credit status once you discharge a debt through bankruptcy. The law mandates that they notify all three credit bureaus and provide them with the most recent information.

Although creditors are required under the FCRA to change your credit report status, they do not always follow through. Correcting errors and making changes to your credit report may just not be your creditors top property. These tasks can easily slip through the cracks.

A good way to keep your credit report accurate is to dispute credit report errors. Read on to learn how to dispute errors on your credit report.

Dispute Items On Your Credit Report

If you have been turned down for a loan or job because of your credit report and believe that there is inaccurate information on your credit report, it is important to follow up as errors will continue to haunt you. To dispute information on your credit report:

Request a credit report from the three credit report companies—Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. By law, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you are turned down for credit. You must request it within 60 days of the denial. You can also get a copy of all three credit reports for free one time a year from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Carefully review all three reports for errors. Take note of anything that is incorrect no matter how insignificant it might seem. Make sure that all of your former addresses are listed correctly, as well.
Once you have identified mistakes, then write out a dispute letter to each credit bureau that has incorrect information. Write a separate dispute letter for each error. You can use this handy dispute letter to credit bureau template.
Provide evidence – Send in any supporting information that you have to back up your claim. For instance, if you paid off a debt and it still showing as having a balance, send in proof that you paid the debt in full. If your Social Security number is incorrect, then send in a copy of your Social Security card. Send as much proof as you have.
Mail your disputes to the credit bureaus.

How Can I Correct Credit Report If The Letter Didn’t Work?

If the credit bureau fails to correct credit report errors listed in your dispute letter, you can still get them corrected using one of the following options:

Sue credit bureau – If you were harmed because the credit reporting agency continued to give out inaccurate or incomplete information, then you can sue the credit bureau. For instance, if you did not get a job solely because of inaccurate information in your credit report, then you might be able to recover actual damages, which include lost wages, court costs, attorney’s fees and emotional distress.
Sue the creditor – You might also be able to sue the creditor that supplied the inaccurate information to the credit bureau.

Experienced Attorneys Who Dispute Credit Report Errors

Credit report lawyers can tell you the best way to dispute errors on your credit report. Since credit bureaus don’t always respond to the dispute letters, the lawyers will be able to step in and file a lawsuit against them to get the errors corrected.

When you call our office, we will connect you to an experienced credit report lawyer who can assist you. Our network of lawyers has dealt with cases that involve fixing credit reports.

Call us at (818) 697-4295 to talk to a lawyer today. The consultation is FREE!

Car Accident Attorney – Personal Injury Lawyer for FREE

October 3, 2016 by Consumer Center

One of the most disturbing aspects of auto accidents is the fact that insurance companies don’t fight aggressively to make things right after the fact. You face many hurdles in getting fair compensation after an auto accident. You have to get medical treatment, get a rental car, possibly get a new car, and still get to work and try get back to living a normal life.

It’s not bad enough to have to deal with your injuries, but you have to deal with the headache of the wrecked car, and you have to push your insurance company to advocate on your behalf every step of the way. There is no shortage of attorneys who say they will get you more money after an accident. But the right car accident attorney is someone who stands by your side and fights for the highest amount of compensation for the damage incurred.

Problems with Not Hiring An Auto Accident Lawyer

In many accident cases, lawyers who work for the insurance company will look at policy limits and act like that’s all there is. If someone with discount insurance hits you, their policy limits will be low and you may be told by your insurance company’s lawyer that it will be difficult to get more than the limits. In such a case, personal injury lawyers provide the best help in order to settle your claims for the highest amounts of compensation; often far beyond the policy limits.

Taking The Right Actions at The Right Time

Hiring a car accident attorney for your case after a car accident means that you are not willing to settle for a low amount just because your insurance company doesn’t want to spend the money and the time fighting for more. When you hire our firm, you know that a professional is working for you, not for the shareholders.

Our car accident lawyer will suggest strategic options and advise about the best time to file a lawsuit against the faulty driver. In most of the cases, you have to file a lawsuit against the faulty party within two years after the accident; otherwise, a deadline called the statute of limitations will prevent you from moving forward.

In many cases, our auto accident attorney will file a suit on your behalf as soon as possible, given that it can take months to get a jury trial. Filing too early is seldom an issue unless it is difficult to determine the extent of the injuries and the expected outcome of treatment. Your lawyer is your guide for navigating the confusing issues related with trail preparation and arrangements for trials if you decide not to settle.

A Car Accident Lawyer Will Help You Get Fair Compensation

We handle all aspects of negotiation of insurance settlements and also prepare every case for a personal injury lawsuit. After you have met with our car accident attorney, we immediately begin the work of filing a lawsuit. Our lawyer will handle all legal procedures on your behalf.

You may be dealing with the headache of an accident claim for the first time, but our personal injury lawyers will deal with the insurance companies and medical claims to take the stress off your shoulders. Our car accident lawyers have the experience of obtaining the evidence we need for supporting your claims, including witness statements, the police report, lost wage information and medical reports, etc. Without a doubt, hiring an articulate and experienced car accident attorney is the most important thing you can do to get proper compensation after a car accident.

Call today and talk to our accident lawyer. ConsumerCR can help.

Note: If you are in the Spring Hill area of TN, Keith Williams, Personal Injury attorney would be of great help: https://www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com/spring-hill-tn/

Reach out today

TCPA Violations – They Happen More Often Than You Think

September 1, 2016 by Consumer Center

Call For FREE Legal Advice: (818) 697-4295

Are you getting frequent nuisance calls from a telemarketer or collectors? You have a right to go about your day without being harassed by unwelcome callers. What many people don’t realize is that there is a law in place that protects consumers from telemarketing calls. It is called the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA.

What Does the TCPA Do?

The TCPA prohibits telemarketers and collectors from making unwanted calls to your phone. If they violate this law, they could be slapped with fines of up to $1,500 for every unsolicited call or text that they make.

Here are some typical examples of TCPA violations:

Using a robocaller – Marketers and collectors are not allowed to use artificial or recorded calls unless they receive written permission first.
Calling you after you request to be on a do-not-call list – If you are on the national do-not-call registry or the company’s internal do-not-call-list, they are not allowed to call you.
Calling you late at night – Collectors and telemarketers are not allowed to call you before 7 AM or after 9 PM.

These are just a few examples of common TCPA violations. If a telemarketer or collector violates the TCPA, contact a lawyer right away to discuss your case. You might be able to:

Recover compensation for the violation of your rights
Hold the marketer or collector responsible for knowingly violating the TCPA
Relieve the pressure and embarrassment of receiving constant marketing or collector calls

What is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act?

Enacted by Congress in 1991 to prevent a growing amount of harassment from marketers, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act restricts the use of prerecorded messages and automatic dialing systems. In 1992, the law was updated to include the requirement that telephone solicitors institute procedures for maintaining do-not-call-lists so that consumers can opt out of telephone solicitations.

In 2012, the federal government revised the TCPA to give even more protection to consumers. Now, telemarketers must have written prior authorization to call a consumer using an automated robotic system or robocaller. They are no longer allowed to call without your written consent— even if you have done business with them before. Also, telemarketers must provide an interactive, automated opt-out feature during each robocall. This feature allows you to put an end to robocalls immediately.

The following types of calls are regulated by the TCPA:

Pre-recorded messages
Robocalls
Phone calls
Auto-dialers
Faxes
Text messages

Telemarketers must follow these rules to stay compliant with the TCPA:

They cannot call or text your cell phone without your prior consent.
They can’t place robocalls or automated calls or texts to your phone after you have told them to stop.
They must stop calling you if you ask them to place you on their do-not-call list.

If you are being harassed by marketers or collectors, take the following actions to get the harassment to end:

Keep a record of every single call. Note the date and time that the calls were made.
Contact a TCPA attorney.

If you have received unwanted solicitation calls, you’re probably wondering how to sue telemarketers. Fortunately, it is very straightforward to hold the telemarketers responsible for violating the TCPA—and to get cash doing so. You can get paid for every telephone call or text message that violates the TCPA.

The first step in getting paid by telemarketers is to discuss your potential TCPA violation claim with a TCPA lawyer. It does not cost anything out of pocket to sue a telemarketer or collector for TCPA violations. All of your legal fees are paid for by the company or person making the calls.

Unwanted Telephone Calls

You might be wondering how to stop robocalls and unwanted telephone calls if you are getting harassed day and night by them. Fortunately, it is easy to put an end to these calls. You might be able to even sue telemarketers for violating the TCPA. You will need the legal expertise of a TCPA lawyer to stop them with ease.

You are also eligible for compensation of $500 to $1500 for every telephone call that you get that violates the TCPA.

Talk to a TCPA Lawyer to Discuss Best Options

The Consumer Center for Resources can connect you with an experienced attorney who can stand up for your rights and help you seek compensation for the damages that you have incurred as a result of the harassment.

Free Bankruptcy Advice: Eliminate Your Debts with a Bankruptcy Attorney

April 18, 2016 by Consumer Center

Filing bankruptcy can eliminate medical and credit card debt, stop foreclosure, stop wage garnishment, and stop car repossession! For FREE Bankruptcy Advice call us immediately!

We connect Consumers to trusted Bankruptcy Attorneys for FREE!

If you are overwhelmed by debt such as medical bills, credit card bills, or if you are behind on your mortgage payment, facing wage garnishments, or facing a lawsuit, filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy can eliminate debt and provide a fresh start.

Debts That Can Usually Be Eliminated With Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:

Credit cards and unsecured loans
Medical bills
Lawsuits and judgments
Evictions and unpaid rent
Unpaid utility bills
Foreclosure balances
Car loan deficiency balances
Car accident repair balances
Material supplier debts

Should I File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

No matter what your goals are, consumer bankruptcy attorneys will provide free advice to help you decide whether or not you are eligible to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy or Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stop foreclosure, eliminate credit card debt, and eliminates other debts such as medical bills or personal loans. In some cases, filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy can strip or eliminate a second or third mortgage on a house. Filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy automatically stops creditors and stops collection calls immediately. Filing chapter 13 bankruptcy is also an effective way to stop wage garnishment and to recover a car that has been repossessed.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy also stops foreclosure, eliminates credit card debt, and eliminates other debts such as medical bills or personal loans. In most cases, filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy will temporarily stop a foreclosure, but it is different than a Chapter 13 when it comes to repaying the arrears for a mortgage. Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy automatically stops creditors and stops collection calls immediately. A chapter 7 is also an effective way to stop wage garnishment and to get a fresh start for debts that are too far behind to repay.

Filing Bankruptcy with an attorney is the best option for eliminating debts and save the home from a foreclosure sale while protecting your assets.

Contact Us Today for FREE Bankruptcy Advice; CALL (818) 697-4295

Bankruptcy Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I file bankruptcy electronically?

A: A lawyer can file a bankruptcy electronically using a dedicated account and specialized software.

Q2: Do I have to attend the court if I file bankruptcy?

A: Yes, after filing bankruptcy there is a mandatory meeting which requires personal attendance.

Q3: How much does it cost to file Bankruptcy?

A: Bankruptcy fees will depend on your location, the complexity of the case, and the court requirement. If the court required our bankruptcy attorneys to be present at the court then there will be extra charges.

Bankruptcy legal fees generally range from $800 for a simple individual Chapter 7 up to $4500 for a complex Chapter 13, plus additional filing fees that are paid directly to the court.

Q4: How does a bankruptcy repayment plan work?

A: The simple calculation is total arrears spread out for 60 months of payments. For example, $30,000.00 in arrears translates to a $500 monthly payment [for a 5 year repayment plan]. These figures are very rough estimates and the calculation is based on any/all debts that will be repaid.

Q5: What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

A: Chapter 7 bankruptcy is filed to eliminate unsecured debt. Chapter 7 can be filed by a person or a business to wipe out credit cards, medical bills, or loans that are not secured by assets.

Q6: What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

A: Chapter 13 is bankruptcy is filed to eliminate unsecured debt and to repay secured debt and other debt obligations in a payment plan. Chapter 13 can be filed by a person or a business to wipe out credit cards, medical bills, or loans that are not secured by assets. In some cases, Chapter 13 is may also be used to eliminate unsecured home loans or second mortgages. This is what is commonly referred to as a lien strip. As a rule, in order to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court requires proof of income sufficient to pay the monthly mortgage, any car loans, all monthly expenses plus a plan payment [to catch up on past due secured debt obligations.

Q7: What are the Benefits of filing Bankruptcy?

A: In general, benefits of bankruptcy include: stopping foreclosure, eliminating debt, eliminating medical bills, eliminating person loans, eliminating IRS debt more than 3 years old, stopping wage garnishment, stopping collection calls, eliminating judgments, stripping a 2nd or 3rd lien [HELOC], stopping collection calls, saving a home or car from repossession by the bank, re-paying missed mortgage or car payments to catch up in a repayment plan, re-establishing and improving credit.

Q8: What happens after I filed Bankruptcy?

A: In general terms, there is a period of time for all parties to clear up any disputes about the debt that will be eliminated, and after that period of time passes, the debt will be wiped out [discharged]. Upon discharge, no further claims can be made to collect any debts that were eliminated.

Q9: Can bankruptcy improve my credit score?

A: Yes, a bankruptcy often has a positive impact on a credit score, resulting in an immediate boost at the time of filing.

Q10: When will my bankruptcy get discharged?

A: Discharge from Chapter 7 bankruptcy usually occurs within 6-12 months from the date of filing [depending on the location of filing]. Discharge from Chapter 13 bankruptcy usually occurs within 3-5 years from the date of filing, depending on the length of the repayment plan.

Q11: What debts can be eliminated with bankruptcy?

A: In general, filing bankruptcy eliminates credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, IRS debt more than 3 years old, as well as stopping wage garnishment, stopping collection calls, eliminating judgments. Chapter 13 can be filed to strip a 2nd or 3rd lien [HELOC].

Q12: What debts cannot be eliminated with bankruptcy?

A: As a rule, Court ordered support [spousal and child support] cannot be eliminated through bankruptcy. Student loans cannot be eliminated with bankruptcy.

Q13: Will I lose all my assets and properties, if I file bankruptcy?

A: Filing bankruptcy does not result in losing all assets. Filing bankruptcy protects assets such as home equity, retirement savings, the primary home, the primary vehicle, and household goods.

Q13: What are the negatives for filing bankruptcy?

A: Filing bankruptcy will result in the cutting of credit cards, and it will make it difficult to qualify for a major purchase [such as a home or car] for a period of one year or more. Government employees may also be affected in their employment, and many employers ask whether applicants have filed bankruptcy in the past.

Still have a question? Call Us for FREE Bankruptcy Advice (818) 697-4295

Join The Crowd to Sue Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche for Auto Fraud

October 19, 2015 by Consumer Center

California drivers can sue Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche for their fraud and deceit in selling Diesel Vehicles. Volkswagen Lied to Its Consumers and Deliberately Concealed the Excessive and Unlawful Levels of Pollution Emitted by Many of Its So-Called “Clean Diesel” Vehicles

If you own any of the listed vehicles below call (818) 697-4295 to get compensated!

Volkswagen Models

2012 – 2015 Beetle TDI

2012 – 2015 Beetle Convertible TDI

2010 – 2015 Golf TDI

2015 Golf Sportswagen TDI

2009 – 2015 Jetta TDI

2009 – 2014 Jetta Sportswagen TDI

2012 – 2015 Passat TDI

2009-2016 Volkswagen Touareg TDI

Audi Models

2010 – 2015 Audi A3 Diesel

2014-2016 Audi A6 Quattro Diesel

2014-2016 Audi A7 Quattro Diesel

2014-2016 Audi A8 Quattro Diesel

2014-2016 Audi A8L Quattro Diesel

2014-2016 Audi Q5 Quattro Diesel

2009-2016 Audi Q7 Diesel

Porsche Models

2013-2016 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

Volkswagen lied to American consumers and used false advertisement to fool buyers into thinking that their vehicles are capable of delivering low emissions, high performance, fuel economy, with an eco-friendly appeal. In reality, Volkswagen vehicles were designed to pass the emissions test with software designed to fraudulently produce false passing results during testing.

Volkswagen violated consumer laws by installing a “defeat device” on their diesel vehicles to bypass emissions standards and deceive U.S. consumers and regulators. So far, Volkswagen has admitted that the defeat device was present in approximately 482,000 Class Vehicles sold in the United States, and more than 11 million vehicles worldwide, including Audi and Porsche diesel vehicles.

Volkswagen equipped their vehicles with “defeat device software” to meet emissions standards during testing. It is now clear that VW, Audi, and Porsche diesel engines, in normal operation, emit pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (“NOx”), at up to 40 times the legal limit. The defeat device is sophisticated software designed for emissions testing conditions to initiate the full emissions controls and trick the emissions test. The defeat device was installed intentionally by Volkswagen on their vehicles with “clean diesel” engines, as well as Audi and Porsche vehicles, with the main purpose of deceiving regulators, consumers, and the public. After this fact was revealed, the EPA has ordered Volkswagen to recall all affected Vehicles into compliance with the emissions standards of the Clean Air Act.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.’s CEO, Michael Horn, conceded that Volkswagen “was dishonest with the EPA, and the California Air Resources Board, and with all of you.” He went on to admit that Volkswagen “totally screwed up” and that it “must fix the cars.”

For years, Volkswagen has failed to disclose to the public and to consumers the presence of the “defeat devices” on their diesel Vehicles. Instead, they continue to manufacture and fool consumers until today. Don’t tolerate blatant fraud!! Join the crowd for a class action lawsuit and hold Volkswagen accountable!

Volkswagen equipped their diesel cars with the “defeat device software” to meet emissions standards only during testing; in normal operation, they emit pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (“NOx”), at up to 40 times the legal limit. This is illegal and unethical!

Call (818) 697-4295

immediately if you own one of these vehicles. The auto fraud attorneys can represent you to sue Volkswagen and get you compensate. The lawsuit files at no cost to you. Join the class action today! No attorney fees!

List of Diesel Vehicles with Fraudulent “Defeat Devices”:

Volkswagen Recall Models:

VW Beetle TDI (2012 – 2015)

VW Beetle Convertible TDI (2012 – 2015)

VW Golf TDI (2010 – 2015)

VW Golf Sportswagen TDI (2015)

VW Jetta TDI (2009 – 2015)

VW Jetta Sportswagen TDI (2009 – 2014)

VW Passat TDI (2012 – 2015)

VW Volkswagen Touareg TDI (2009-2016)

Audi Recall Models:

Audi A3 Diesel (2010 – 2015)

Audi A6 Quattro Diesel (2014-2016)

Audi A7 Quattro Diesel (2014-2016)

Audi A8 Quattro Diesel (2014-2016)

Audi A8L Quattro Diesel (2014-2016)

Audi Q5 Quattro Diesel (2014-2016)

Audi Q7 Diesel (2009-2016)

Porsche Recall Models:

Porsche Cayenne Diesel (2013-2016)

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