The Fair Credit Reporting Act affects all businesses. Businesses are required by the FTC to report only accurate information regarding the debts owned to the business by debtors. Businesses responsible for handling in house debt collections needs to understand The Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Businesses that fail to adhere to these required laws may be risking costly fines and in some cases discharge of the debt owed to them. Debt collection is not an easy process but it is critical for any business handling debt collections to fully understand this law.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act Explained
A business needs to understand the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This act states that consumers have the right to verify the information on their credit report. It also states that businesses must ensure that the information on these reports is accurate to the best of their ability. It is essential the business understand this part of debt collection.
If your business receives a complaint from one of the national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion), you have a 30-day period to verify the accuracy of the alleged debt owed, or it has to be removed off the individual’s credit report, as per The Fair Credit Reporting Act.
As it relates to debt collection, it is very important to understand The Fair Credit Reporting Act. Should you file an inaccurate claim, you could face legal fallout if done so intentionally. In addition, the FTC can limit your ability to file future claims.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act works to the benefit of your business as well. As long as information about the debt is reported correctly, it should be used by the business to make sure other businesses know of this individual’s failure to pay their debt. Other businesses will certainly want to know what to expect from a potential customer before working with them.
Some Important Facts
For any businesses or associates handling debt collection, there is much to know about the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Businesses that supply information to the consumer reporting agencies are responsible for submitting only accurate information. The law was updated to expand the rights of the consumer.
Consumers are able to learn what is on their credit report by filing a request with the credit reporting agencies. And, during that process, if there is any information deemed inaccurate, including missing account information, debt collection activity, or inaccurate history, the business must show proof of the accuracy of the debt or it is removed from the report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act puts the burden of proof on the business claiming the debt is owed.
Negative, but accurate, information can remain on one’s credit report up to seven years. Bankruptcies can stay on up to ten years. Criminal convictions, or information related to employment applications for jobs with salaries over $75,000 can remain even longer.
Also, discover more important information and resources about debt collection laws, as well as collection agencies services.