California recently enacted a new law broadly prohibiting the use of medical debts in consumer credit reports. The law, SB-1061, is part of a growing national movement to ban consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) from reporting on medical debt and creditors from using consumers’ medical debts in credit, employment or housing decisions. The policy reason for
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has recently proposed a significant new regulation aimed at removing almost all medical debt from most credit reports. In its statement the CFPB stated “Medical bills on credit reports too often are inaccurate and have little to no predictive value when it comes to repaying other loans.“ This move
If you’ve been delayed or denied a job or faced other issues because of an error on your background check, you might be feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. Errors on background checks can have serious consequences, impacting your career, housing, and even your finances. Fortunately, you have rights as a consumer,
Originally posted on The Legal Intelligencer Seventh Circuit Issues Seemingly Internally Inconsistent FCRA/FDCPA Decision In its recent decision in Freeman v. Ocwen Loan Servicing, No. 23-2512, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld a district court’s dismissal of a borrower’s Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Identity theft can have severe consequences, from a damaged credit score to financial loss. Understanding your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and knowing when to take legal action is essential in safeguarding your financial health. Common Causes of Identity Theft Identity theft often occurs through various methods that expose individuals to serious
Understanding your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is essential to protect your credit and financial well-being. The FCRA regulates how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share your credit information. However, errors on your credit report or background check can have severe consequences for your financial future. This is when hiring an
In recent years, the movement towards fair hiring practices has gained significant momentum, particularly with introducing “Ban the Box” laws. These laws are designed to prevent employers from asking about a candidate’s criminal history on job applications, ensuring that individuals with past convictions are given a fair chance to be evaluated based on their qualifications
Background checks are critical in the healthcare sector. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusionary list is a standard part of these background checks. Employers and job seekers must understand the OIG exclusionary list, how individuals end up on it, and the potential consequences of being wrongly associated with it during a background check. What
Unsolicited phone calls and text messages are a nuisance. But did you know they can also be a violation of your privacy and your rights? The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), established in 1991, is a critical piece of legislation to protect consumers from intrusive and unwarranted telemarketing practices. As a consumer, it’s essential to
Discovering errors on your credit report or background check can be a headache-inducing experience. Imagine the added complexity when the inaccuracies involve your twin sibling’s information. While sharing a birthday and perhaps a striking resemblance can be fun, it can also lead to mixed files that impact your financial and personal records. So, here’s a