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We hope the articles below help you understand your rights as a consumer. You can scroll through the titles, or sort by Practice Area or Topic. You can also use the search feature to locate information by keyword.

Flitter Milz represents people with a variety of problems involving consumer credit and collections. If you have a particular question or believe your consumer rights have been violated, Contact Us for a no cost consultation.

Monitor Reports

U.S. Servicemembers: Strengthen your credit

Military life is one of frequent transitions. Each deployment, promotion, and change in duty status brings the need to make money-related decisions. These financial decisions can have long-term effects on family life, mission readiness, and security clearances.

Service members often run into trouble because of the irregularities in their daily life. They may tend to overspend and receive contact from debt collectors. They may fall for financial scams and become a victim of identity theft. Or, due to errors on credit reports, they may be denied loans or have a vehicle repossessed. Learning more about consumer credit and how to build a strong credit history can help servicemembers and veterans improve their financial health.

Take Advantage of Free Credit Reports

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you’re allowed one free credit report from each bureau – Transunion, Experian, and Equifax – within a twelve month period. Send a letter to one of the bureaus and request your reports. Review them carefully to ensure that there are no errors and that you recognize all of the listed accounts. 

Credit Accuracy

Credit reports include personal information, credit history, credit inquiries, and public records.  Credit cards, mortgages, and loans are all listed along with the payment status. If you fall behind on payments or default on a loan, your credit report will list this negatively. Negative entries may make it more difficult for you to open a new line of credit, be approved for a new loan, or receive a promotion or security clearance. It may also mean that you will be approved for a loan, but with a higher interest rate.

Credit Privacy

Regular credit report checks help you monitor your accounts and determine whether someone has accessed your credit report without your permission or opened accounts in your name. If you notice suspicious activity, information that does not belong to you, or believe you have become a victim of identity theft, follow these steps:
  -Contact the Bank or Creditor
  -File a Police Report
  -File a Fraud Alert
  -Request your current credit reports
  -File an Identity Theft Affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission
  -Keep an organized file with all correspondence and records
  -Protect your personal information.  Keep it private.

Know How Much You Spend

A budget helps you see where you can cut back on spending and create a workable plan to pay off debt.Take the time to set a budget. Divide your regular expenses into categories for housing, food, transportation, health care, personal & family and finances. Determine how much you can afford to spend on each category every month. Use a spreadsheet or online tool to keep track of all of your accounts and expenses. 

Be Aware of Scams

Follow your gut. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Unfortunately, service members are frequent targets for various scams. Companies or organizations could call and claim to belong to a veterans group or another legitimate sounding organization. Be sure to research the organization, find out where they’re located, see if there is a complaint board online, and investigate whether the company is reputable. 

Be cautious. If you receive a call from someone, do not provide any personal identifying information, such as your social security number or date of birth, or access to bank accounts or credit and debit cards.  Require them to provide you with something in writing that states who they are and where they are located.

Financial Guidance for Service Members

Remember, you’re not alone. There are many services offered through the Department of Defense and veterans organizations to help service members keep finances on track. Do your research and make a financial plan that is right for you.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that assists victims of identity theft that have suffered from credit report harm, abusive debt collectors and wrongful vehicle repossessions by aggressive lenders and repo agents.  Contact Us to discuss whether your consumer rights have been violated. There is no cost for the consultation.  Pictured above:  Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left),
Jody López-Jacobs (right).

 

 

Steps to Take After a Data Breach

Anyone can be the victim of a data breach or identity theft. If you find yourself in this situation, remember that there are ways to protect your information from being compromised further. Be on the lookout for changes to listings on your credit reports, charges to your credit cards, “Welcome” letters sent by creditors, and any changes to your credit profile. Take these steps to protect yourself after a data breach to avoid the costly effects that a hack can cause.

1. Freeze Your Credit

You can “freeze”  or restrict access to your credit file which makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.  Notify the three main credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, that you request a credit freeze.  There is no cost to place a credit freeze on your file.

Often, identity thieves try to get approval for a new line of credit or loan.  If there is a freeze on your credit report, the bank or lender will not be able to access your credit file, keeping the thief from receiving approval for the credit request.

A credit freeze may also block you from access to your credit file. Follow specific steps required by each credit bureau to unfreeze your credit file by contacting:
Equifax:  800-349-9960        Experian:  888-397-3742       Transunion:  888-909-8872

2. Set Up Fraud Alerts

Fraud alerts provide less protection than a freeze but are still a valuable option. Rather than completely blocking companies from seeing your credit report, fraud alerts require identity verification before any further action can occur. Alerts typically expire after 90 days but are free and can be renewed. To request a fraud alert, write to the credit bureau(s) stating the reason for your request.

3. Monitor Your Statements

It’s also a good idea to monitor your account statements for any suspicious charges. Make it a habit to check your monthly statements and that you recognize each transaction and amount.  If you notice an error, send a written dispute immediately. Most credit card companies require written disputes within 60 days of an item listed on your statement.

4. Review Credit Reports & Dispute Errors

You’re entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus every 12 months. We recommend that you write a letter to request your reports. Just as you would monitor your monthly statements, look over your credit report carefully and dispute any findings that are incorrect with the credit bureaus.

5. Beware of Scams

Identity thieves can be tricky, so learn how to recognize scams. Scammers often use tax season to target victims. If your information has been compromised, identity thieves could file taxes under your name and claim your refund.

Also, be aware of phishing attempts. Thieves can take advantage of security breaches by pretending to be members of the compromised organization. Be cautious who you give your information to following a data breach, even if the person claims to be trustworthy or knows your personal information.  Request that they provide you with written documentation showing who they are, the company they work for, and details that support their request.

6. Sign Up for Account Notifications

As a preventative measure, you can set up text and/or email notifications so that you’re aware when purchases are made on your account. Use these alerts to ensure that you’ve authorized all charges. If a suspicious charge arises, contact your bank or credit card company in writing to report the disputed charge.

7. Change Passwords

Make sure to change your login information on the breached account and any sites using the same information. Using different passwords for your accounts may help prevent other accounts from being hacked.

8. Address the Situation

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the difference between a scam and a legitimate debt collector. When your identity is stolen, take steps to to secure your personal information and your accounts from further abuse.

9. Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of identity theft suffering from credit reporting errors and contact from abusive debt collectors.  Contact us for a free legal evaluation to determine whether the credit bureaus or debt collectors have violated your consumer rights.

How to Monitor Your Credit

Your credit history plays an important role in your ability to get approved for new lines of credit, whether it’s a new credit card, a personal loan, or another type of borrowing agreement. It also affects your ability to rent an apartment, or possibly be hired or promoted in your job.

Review Credit Reports & Dispute Errors

Do not wait until you’re ready to apply for a loan to check your credit. Monitor your credit reports regularly to see that your information is accurately reported.  If there is an error, send written disputes to the credit bureau.  You do not want to be denied for a loan because of someone else’s error. Credit applications are considered hard inquiries on your credit file, and denials could result in lowering your credit score.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims with credit reporting privacy and accuracy problems. Contact Us for a free consultation to discuss errors on your credit reports.

How to Get a Job When You Have Poor Credit

Finding a new job can feel like a full time job in itself. First identifying companies and positions, then prepare your resume and cover letters.

The next most important step is to check your credit reports.

Employers usually check credit reports during the hiring process as a means to gauge the applicant’s responsibility with finances. Not all employers check credit reports during the employment screening process. But those that do, often check for positions that involve a security clearance, access to money, sensitive customer data or confidential company information.

An employment screening report only includes your account payment record, how much you owe, and your available credit. Potential employers can’t see your credit score. Follow these steps to prepare your credit before applying for a new job.

1. Obtain current credit reports

When you start looking for a new job, get a copy of your credit report. You should know appears on your report before a prospective employer obtains a copy. You can get a free report every 12 months from each of the three credit bureaus – Transunion, Experian and Equifax.

Review your reports for accuracy. If you see errors, dispute them directly with the reporting bureau. If you have negative listings like a car repossession or defaulted account, these should only stay on your report for 7 1/2 years.

2. Ask employer about credit checks

If you have negative credit listings and you’re concerned about the role they’ll play in your job search, contact your target companies anonymously and ask if they check credit as part of their candidate screening process. If you think it will be an issue, you might choose not to spend time on applications for a company that asks for your credit history.

3. Know your rights

Potential employers can ask for a copy of your credit file. However, there are guidelines that must be followed.
1) You must provide written permission for a company to request your report.
2) The company must notify you of the company that provide the employment screening report.
3) You may write to the screening report company to request a copy of the report that was used in the employment hiring process.

4. Take steps to improve your credit

Your job search will be easier in the future if you don’t have to worry about how your credit might affect your eligibility. Be proactive and evaluate your credit before applying for that new job.

-Review your credit file in advance.
-Make bill payments in full and on time.
-Use less than thirty percent of the credit that’s available to you.
-Maintain a healthy debt-to-income ratio.
-Dispute errors on your credit reports.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims with credit reporting accuracy problems.  Contact Us for a free legal review of your credit reports and an evaluation of whether your consumer rights were violated.

 

Avoid Credit Damage During Divorce

Divorce is an emotionally challenging time when you may be preoccupied with child custody, property and insurance issues.  However, your finances are just as important.

While a divorce alone won’t hurt your credit, certain consequences of divorce could. When a relationship ends on bad terms, joint accounts with missed or late payments will tarnish your credit.

Protect accounts in your name

  • Obtain current credit reports so that you can see all accounts listed in your name, and those listed jointly. The value of an accurate report is priceless.
  • Establish a budget and payment plan for your obligations. Pay attention to obligations that you must pay, such as mortgages and utilities, and those that may be considered as luxuries.
  • Evaluate accounts in joint names. Discuss with your attorney whether these accounts can be closed and/or reassigned to you or your spouse.
  • Learn the difference between credit score and credit report.

For more detailed information on how to handle your finances during a divorce, consult with a family law attorney that is aware of the types of consumer protection issues that divorce clients face.

Get Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of credit reporting errors and abusive collectors tactics.  Contact Us to discuss inaccuracies on your credit report, or letters and phone calls from collectors.  There is no cost for the legal review.

How to Read Your Credit Report

Credit reports impact many aspects of our lives.  Whether we want to apply for a mortgage, obtain a car loan or credit card, rent an apartment or apply for a job, we must prove to a prospective creditor or employer, that we are financially responsible.  Our credit report shows the history of our accounts and illustrates whether we may be a good credit risk.  

Reading Credit reports may be overwhelming

Transunion, Experian and Equifax are the three main credit bureaus. Although the bureaus report similar information, the actual reports may look different.  But, there is common information that appears on each.  As you review your report, look for sections that contain the following information.

  • Personal Information
    Your name and all variations of your name
    Your current and former addresses
    Social Security Number
    Date of Birth
    Phone Numbers
    Current and former employers
    Spouse or Co-Applicant on an account

  • Date of Report
    Every new credit report will list a current date. It is important to reference the report date when disputing an item on the report.
  • Credit Report number
    Every credit report will list a report number.  It is important to reference this number when disputing a listing.
  • Satisfactory or Accounts in Good Standing
    These accounts reflect a history of on time, as agreed payments.  Once an account is closed or paid off, it may continue to appear on the credit report for up to ten years.
  • Adverse or Negative Accounts
    The most common items in this section are late payments, accounts that have been charged off or sent to collection, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments.
  • Payment History Legend
    The legend is a code that is used to identify each account and its status, for example whether the payments are being made on time as agreed, 30-60-90-120-150 -180 days past due, if there is a repossession, charge off, collection, etc.
  • Request for Credit History from others
    The credit bureaus will make your credit history available to current and prospective creditors and employers, but only with your approval. Typically, these companies have requested your credit information as a result of an action you took, such as applying for credit or financing, a job application, or as a result of a collection.
    Unrecognizable Inquiries
    Sometimes unfamiliar inquiries may appear on a credit report.
    These requests may come from sources with a permissible purpose, such as: 
    – a current creditor offering new credit or a new product
    – a current creditor monitoring your account
    – an employer wishing to extend an employment offer
    – a potential investor assessing risk
    – an end user to complete your mortgage application
    – insurance underwriting (auto or home)

Obtain your Free Credit Report

Consumers are entitled to obtain one free credit report from each bureau every twelve months.  Make sure that the information is accurate. If you haven’t checked your report recently, learn how to request one for free.  

Credit reporting errors are common.  If you notice that  information is not listed correctly, send a written dispute to the credit bureau by Certified Mail Return Receipt.  If the bureau does not correct the error, your consumer rights may have been violated.

Seek Legal Help 

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents people who have been denied credit for a home, auto or personal loan, or possibly a job opportunity or promotion, due to a negative listing on a credit report.

Contact us for a no cost evaluation to determine whether your consumer rights have been violated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Pictured above:  Attorneys Cary Flitter (center), Andy Milz (left), Jody López-Jacobs (right).

 

7 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Finances

Many people view a new year as a chance for a fresh start. It’s a great time to evaluate your financial health and set some goals for improvement. When you make resolutions, it’s important to set realistic, achievable goals so that you don’t get discouraged. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Create a budget and stick to it

Budgeting, or analyzing spending habits, is the best thing you can do for your finances. When you see how much money is spent on mandatory expenses, such as mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, or loans, versus non-essential expenses, such as dining out, parties, gifts or vacations, you may find a way to reorganize expenses to make spending cuts, begin saving and start to pay off debt.

Once you’ve determined how much you spend on the necessities, compare what’s left over to your monthly income. Avoid setting budgets that are unrealistic.  You want to establish a budget that you will stick to and be able to feel success.

Grow your savings account

The amount of savings you have ultimately depends on your financial situation, but most experts say you should have enough to cover six to nine months of living expenses. Unless you already have a substantial amount saved, it isn’t realistic to make this your goal for the year. Instead, work on small progress over time. Refer back to your budget and determine how much you can save each month. Ideally, you should save at least 10% every month. By the end of the year, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy savings account.

Pay down your debt

You already know that the sooner you can pay off your debt, the better. You’ll end up paying less overall by avoiding extra interest accrual.

If you’re able to, set a goal to aggressively pay down your debt this year. Pay more than the minimum amount due to see progress more quickly. Try to trim extra expenses from other budget categories so you can prioritize your debt.

Pay on time

If you’ve struggled with timely bill payments in the past, make it your goal this year to always pay on time. Set up automatic payments if you can, or create recurring reminders on your calendar or in your phone. You’ll save money because you won’t be hit with late payment fees, and your credit will improve.

Check your credit regularly

The best way to know where you stand financially is to regularly check your credit report. You’re entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus every 12 months. Your report has information about your current credit account standing and payment history. It also includes any negative occurrences, like car repossessions or accounts in default. Check your report regularly to make sure the information is accurate and up to date.

Improve your credit score

If your credit score is on the lower end, set a goal to improve it this year. Pay any overdue bill payments, and make sure you make all payments on time moving forward. Keep credit usage below 30% of your available credit. This means you shouldn’t spend more than $300 on a card with a limit of $1,000.

Keep in mind that if you apply for new credit this year, whether it’s an auto loan or a credit card, the lender will most likely perform a hard inquiry, which could lower your score.

Become more financially literate

Are there certain aspects of your finances that you struggle to understand? Take the time this year to learn more. Whether you want to do research into different ways to invest your money, or you want to have a better understanding of how interest accrues on your loans, having a solid understanding paves the way for healthier financial well being.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a consumer protection law firm that represents victims with credit reporting problems, those that have received contact from abusive debt collectors, and have had vehicles wrongfully repossessed.  Contact us for a free consultation to determine whether your consumer rights have been violated.

How to Prepare Your Credit Accounts During the Holidays

It’s the season for gift giving, and that means extra spending. Credit cards can be a convenient way to purchase gifts for family and friends, but it’s important to stay organized and make sure you have a plan to pay them off. Take these steps before you do your shopping to ensure that you’re prepared.

Check Your Credit Report

Your credit report provides the best summary of your overall financial standing. Your report will list all of your credit accounts, loans, and credit inquiries and will also list any delinquencies. To get a copy of your credit report, write to the credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax – and include two forms of identification such as a current driver’s license and utility bill. You can get a free copy of your report from each of the bureaus every 12 months.

You may also want to check your credit score. This information will give you an idea of your overall financial standing and will alert you to any areas that could be improved. If your score is lower due to late payments or a lot of spending on credit accounts, you may choose to adjust your spending to fit your budget.

Keep an Eye on Credit Utilization

Now that you know the credit limits on each of your accounts, try to avoid spending more than 30% of your available credit on each of them. For example, if you have a credit card with a limit of $1,000, you should do your best to avoid spending more than $300. Your credit utilization factors into your credit score, so spending more than 30% of your available credit could lower your score.

Set a budget for each of your cards to avoid overspending. This will also make it easier and more manageable when it comes time to pay them off.

Pay Your Balances in Full and On Time

Set reminders to pay off credit accounts in full and on time. Carrying a balance in to the next month will mean paying more in interest fees. Your budgets will help you stay on track and help ensure that you’re always able to make your bill payments.

Taking the time to prepare your credit accounts for holiday spending will allow you to enjoy the season without extra financial stress and will set you up for success in the new year.

Seek the Help from a Consumer Protection Lawyer

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents consumers who have been contacted by debt collectors, or that have issues with listings that appear on credit reports.  Contact Us for a free evaluation of whether your consumer rights have been violated.

Are You Credit Invisible?

If you hear the term “credit invisible” it means that you may not have credit files  with the nationwide credit reporting agencies — Transunion, Experian and Equifax — or that the information that exists on your credit reports is very limited.

Credit invisibility doesn’t only apply to young individuals who haven’t built up their history yet. It can also apply to older individuals who have stopped using credit, or to Americans who live abroad and don’t keep their U.S. credit accounts active.

Lacking Credit History

Credit invisibility can be detrimental for a number of reasons. Lacking credit history can make it difficult or impossible to secure new lines of credit. This means you may not be able to get a loan for the house or car you want, or open a new credit card account. It could also make it more difficult for you to rent an apartment or get hired for a job.

Keep your credit files up-to-date

Stay up to date with your credit standing by checking your report regularly. Consumers may obtain credit reports from Transunion, Experian, and Equifax every twelve months for free. We recommend that you request your reports from the credit bureaus in writing and have them mailed to you. You should enclose two forms of identification, such as a current driver’s license and utility bill, with your request. Once you have your reports, review your information to make sure that all of your information is accurate.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally-recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of inaccurate credit report listings. Contact us for a free legal evaluation of errors that appear on your report.

Don’t Get Burned on Bad Credit

Checking your report regularly is the best way to ensure that your finances are healthy and that your overall credit remains in good standing. Poor credit can negatively affect your life in many ways. You can request your credit report by mail or online at annualcreditreport.com.

Consequences of Poor Credit

1. Higher Interest Rates

Individuals with lower credit scores and negative listings on their credit report will incur higher interest rates on new lines of credit.

2. Credit Application Denial

Poor credit can also result in loan application denial. Lenders will view you as a high risk borrower and are less likely to approve your application. This could mean you’ll have more difficulty purchasing a home or vehicle.

3. Difficulty Finding a Job

It’s becoming more common for potential employers to check an applicant’s credit before making a final hiring decision. This is especially common for jobs within banking and financial services, government, or jobs that require security clearance. Employment screening reports are also often used for trucking, nursing, food, and retail positions. Employers are required to provide you with report details if you’re denied a position as a result of the report.

4. Rental Application Denial

A lower credit score is likely to make it more difficult to rent an apartment. Landlords want to see that you can make payments on time. Poor credit can be a red flag that makes them less likely to rent to you.

5. Higher Utility Bills

A person with lower credit may experience higher utility bills than someone whose credit is in good standing. It can also make it more difficult to negotiate a cell phone contract, or result in a more expensive contract.

6. Debt Collection Contact

Negative credit listings are typically the result of late payments or accounts in default. When someone doesn’t make payments for 60 to 90 days, the account may be sent to a debt collector. Debt collection contact can be overwhelming and intimidating and can add stress to your financial situation.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims with credit reporting privacy and accuracy problems. Contact Us for a free legal evaluation of credit report errors.