Wrong Information Reported to the CRAs?
Virginians must keep an eye on their credit reports
By Doug Mentes, Esq. | Last updated on September 2, 2022Use these links to jump to different sections:
- What must furnishers do under the law?
- What if a furnisher has caused a consumer damage?
- How do consumers prove damages?
- What should consumers do?
- Creditors
- Landlords
- Insurers
- Employers
- Debt collectors
What must furnishers do under the law?

- Conduct an investigation of the inaccurate information
- Review all relevant information provided by the consumer
- Report the results back to the CRA within 30 days
- Modify the information
- Delete the information
- Permanently block the reporting of that information
What if a furnisher has caused a consumer damage?
A furnisher’s credit report error could result in a consumer being denied credit or losing out on a job opportunity. Furnishers are liable for damages they cause by not complying with the requirements of the FCRA. The amount of damages a furnisher may be liable for will depend on the furnisher’s conduct and whether that conduct is found negligent or willful. Negligent conduct is conduct that falls short of what a “reasonably prudent person” would do; willful conduct is conduct performed with knowledge or reckless disregard of the law. If a furnisher’s conduct is found negligent or willful, the furnisher is liable for the consumer’s actual damages, which can include the following:- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost credit opportunities
- Emotional distress and humiliation
- Damage to reputation
How do consumers prove damages?
Calculating damages like out-of-pocket expenses and lost wages should be straight-forward. However, emotional distress damages and damages to the consumer’s reputation may be more difficult to calculate. These damages can be awarded even in the absence of out-of-pocket expenses, and there is no limit to the amount of damages—if a consumer can prove the loss. Emotional distress damages must be supported by something more than a victim’s bare allegations. The consumer’s dispute must be coupled with additional evidence of actual or genuine injury, which can take the form of:- Testimony regarding the surrounding circumstances
- Testimony of the injured party’s conduct
- Corroboration of other witnesses
- Medical or psychological evidence
What should consumers do?
Consumers must keep an eye on their credit reports and credit accounts, if there is an error, they should formally dispute it, in a written dispute letter, via certified mail with the bureaus; the online dispute process offered by the CRAs does not provide a reliable record of the dispute. When consumers don’t get the results they feel they should when disputing with furnishers or CRAs, it may be time to contact an experienced Virginia consumer attorney to determine if relief for their credit woes is available through the courts. For more information on this area of law, see our overview of consumer law.What do I do next?
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