Most consumers are familiar with traditional credit reporting agencies such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These companies compile credit reports that lenders use when deciding whether to approve loans or credit cards. However, many consumers are surprised to learn that there are other consumer reporting agencies that collect and report financial information that can have
Philadelphia has expanded its Ban the Box law, strengthening protections for job applicants and placing new limits on how employers and background check companies may use criminal history information. For job seekers, this expansion is significant. For employers who fail to comply, it creates serious legal exposure. What Is “Ban the Box”? Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal
The start of a new year is when many people set financial resolutions—paying down debt, buying a home, improving credit scores, or simply getting their finances back on track. If that’s you, the best place to start is your credit report. Before you can improve your financial health, you need to make sure the information
The Illinois Supreme Court recently issued a significant decision affecting Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) claims brought in Illinois state courts. In Fausett v. Walgreens, the court held that consumers must demonstrate a concrete, actual injury to have standing to pursue claims under the FCRA and FACTA, rather than relying solely on statutory violations. The
Everyone deserves the chance to move forward. To start fresh. To build a better life. But what happens when a background check company refuses to let you? That’s exactly what happened when RentGrow reported an eight-year-old vacated conviction that should never have appeared on a tenant screening report. Trying to Build a Better Life Our
Social media is full of advice about “cleaning” your credit report, much of it dangerously inaccurate. Every day, people are told they can dispute any negative information and have it instantly removed. Others claim you can sue the credit bureaus simply because you don’t like what’s on your report. The truth? Your rights under the
Moving to a new state brings enough stress, new responsibilities, and the need to find housing. But discovering a violent felony conviction on your background check that isn’t yours is truly shocking. That’s exactly what happened when Resident Verify mixed up our client with a completely different individual, someone with a criminal record, a different
When you apply for a loan or try to open a bank account, the bank looks at background reports—like your credit history or your past banking activity. But sometimes these reports contain mistakes. And when a bank relies on incorrect information, it can cause big problems. Here’s what you need to know. How an Incorrect
Finding a new home for your family should be exciting, a chance for more space, more comfort, a fresh start. But for one of our clients, the process turned into panic, embarrassment, and financial strain when Trans Union Rental Screening Solutions (TURSS) reported a criminal history that didn’t exist. A New Home for the Family
Post-hire background checks, also called continuous or ongoing background screening, are becoming increasingly common as employers try to monitor employees for potential risks. But when these reports contain errors, they can destroy your career, damage your reputation, and violate your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). At Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C., we’ve represented