If you live in New Jersey and have had your criminal record sealed or expunged, that information should never appear on a background check for a job, housing, or professional license. Unfortunately, many private background check companies still report outdated or inaccurate criminal history, including records that the courts have already removed. This is a
In a significant win for consumers, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit recently ruled that companies reporting information to credit bureaus—known as “furnishers”—can be held accountable under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for failing to investigate disputes that involve both legal and factual issues, as long as the disputed information is
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently imposed a significant fine on Equifax, one of the three largest credit reporting agencies in the United States. This action has drawn attention to the practices of credit reporting agencies and their responsibilities toward consumers. Below, we explore the reasons behind the fine, its implications for Equifax, and
Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. Partner Jim Francis Interviewed by The Washington Post in Report on Social Security’s False Death Listings A recent Washington Post investigation has uncovered that the Trump administration pressured the Social Security Administration (SSA) to falsely declare over 6,000 living immigrants as deceased — a move designed to strip them of their
At Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C., we are committed to protecting consumers from the devastating consequences of bureaucratic errors. A recent case handled by firm partner, Jim Francis, highlights the profound impact such mistakes can have and underscores the importance of vigilant legal advocacy. In December 2023, Joyce Evans, a retired federal employee, received a letter
One of the most common causes of inaccurate information on credit reports and background checks is the mixing of information belonging to two different people, often because of similar names and addresses. This is a particularly common problem with twins, who share a date of birth as well as last name and usually address history.
When it comes to background checks, accuracy is everything. Whether it’s for employment, housing, or financial decisions, the information these reports provide can determine someone’s future opportunities. But what happens when one background check company produces an inaccurate report about a consumer? Unfortunately, it may not be just a one-off error—it may signal a larger,
Data breaches have become increasingly common, exposing millions of consumers to the risk of identity theft. If your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, it’s important to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself. Identity theft can lead to financial losses, credit damage, and even legal issues if someone uses
When you check your credit report, the last thing you want to see is incorrect information. Unfortunately, errors in student loan credit reporting are more common than most borrowers realize. One significant issue that has caused headaches for consumers is the appearance of duplicate balances—when the same loan shows up multiple times, inflating your total
In a groundbreaking move to improve financial equity, the Biden administration has announced a final rule that will eliminate unpaid medical bills from credit reports. This decision, revealed Tuesday, marks a transformative shift in how medical debt is treated in the financial system and is expected to benefit millions of Americans struggling with the weight