Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Your Credit Report Should Work for You—Not Against You

Your credit report plays a powerful role in your life. It can affect whether you’re approved for a loan, offered a job, or allowed to rent an apartment. That’s why the law requires the information in your report to be accurate—and limits who can access it.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that protects consumers from false, misleading, or unauthorized use of their credit information. If inaccurate data has harmed your financial opportunities, or if your report was pulled without a valid reason, you may have a legal claim.

Your Rights

What the FCRA Protects You From

Under the FCRA, creditors and reporting agencies must:

  • Provide accurate, up-to-date credit information

  • Correct errors promptly

  • Limit access to your report only under specific legal circumstances

If you’ve been denied a job, housing, or credit—or offered unfair terms—based on false or outdated information, we can help you explore your right to seek damages.

Who Can Access Your Credit—and When

Creditors, landlords, or employers can only make a hard inquiry on your credit report under narrow conditions, such as:

  • You gave written consent

  • You’re applying for credit, and they’re reviewing your application or account

  • You’ve initiated a business transaction that requires credit review

However, if someone pulled your report for improper reasons—such as to evaluate your finances before filing a lawsuit—you may be entitled to compensation, even if your credit score wasn’t seriously harmed.

You Don’t Have to Let Mistakes Define Your Future

If your credit report has been misused or contains inaccurate information, the consequences can be frustrating and unfair—but they’re also fixable. At Dessaules Law Group, we work with clients to challenge wrongful inquiries and reporting errors, restore their records, and pursue damages when appropriate.

📞 If something doesn’t look right on your credit report—or if you’re unsure why someone accessed it—reach out to us. We’ll help you understand your rights under the FCRA and what to do next.