San Antonio Credit Reporting Errors Attorneys
At Jaffer Law, our San Antonio FCRA attorneys help consumers across South Texas stand up to credit bureaus, background check companies, and creditors who report false, outdated, or misleading information. If errors on your credit report or background check have cost you a job, loan, home, or peace of mind — you may have a claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
We don’t just fix reports. We fight for justice and compensation.
📞 (210) 968-0020
What Is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that protects consumers from inaccurate, unfair, or unauthorized use of their personal financial and background information. It governs how companies collect, use, and share credit and consumer data — and holds them accountable when they violate your rights.
Under the FCRA, you have the legal right to:
- Access your credit and background reports
- Dispute and correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Receive prompt investigation and resolution of disputes
- Be notified if negative information is used against you
- Sue for damages when your rights are violated
If you live in San Antonio or surrounding areas like New Braunfels, Boerne, Schertz, or Universal City, Jaffer Law is here to help enforce those rights.
Why FCRA Violations Are Common in San Antonio
Credit and background check errors are more common than most people think. San Antonio residents, especially those with common names or recent identity changes (like marriage or immigration), are often victims of:
- Mixed or merged credit files
- False criminal records in background checks
- Duplicate Social Security numbers
- Outdated medical debt or collections
- Identity theft disputes that go ignored
With a population of over 1.5 million, San Antonio’s diverse and dynamic workforce makes the area especially vulnerable to mass data errors and automation failures by companies that prioritize speed over accuracy.
Common FCRA Violations We Handle
At Jaffer Law, our San Antonio FCRA attorneys have handled hundreds of consumer cases involving serious violations like:
1. Mixed Files
A common issue when a credit bureau combines your report with another person’s due to a similar name or Social Security number. This can cause completely unrelated debts, addresses, or collections to appear on your report.
2. Employment Background Check Errors
Employers in Texas often use third-party screening companies that report sealed or expunged criminal records, or records that belong to someone else. This can cost you job opportunities — and it’s a violation of the FCRA.
3. Failing to Investigate Disputes
If you dispute a credit report error and the credit bureau or furnisher fails to investigate or verify the information within 30 days, they are breaking the law.
4. Re-Aged or Zombie Debt
Debt collectors sometimes reset the clock on old debts to make them look newer than they are. This tactic can cause credit score damage and is illegal under federal law.
5. Failure to Block Identity Theft Accounts
If you provide a police report and FTC affidavit to dispute fraudulent accounts due to identity theft, the credit bureau must block those items. If they don’t — you may have a strong legal claim.
6. Unauthorized Pulls on Your Credit
Only parties with a permissible purpose can access your credit report. If your report was accessed without consent or for an improper reason, that’s a privacy violation.
Real-World Impact of Credit Reporting Errors
A simple error can have devastating consequences. Here’s how:
- Home Loans: Inaccurate late payments or collections can cost you mortgage approval or result in much higher interest rates.
- Employment: A false criminal record or job history error in a background report can lead to rescinded offers or job loss.
- Auto Loans: A lower credit score due to reporting mistakes could increase your car loan payments by thousands.
- Security Clearances: Military personnel or government employees in San Antonio may be denied or lose security clearance due to false reports.
- Mental and Emotional Stress: The feeling of helplessness when you’re being blamed for someone else’s financial history can be overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
What Makes Jaffer Law Different
Jaffer Law is not your average law firm. Our team of FCRA attorneys is laser-focused on consumer protection and credit reporting litigation. We bring years of courtroom experience and industry insight to every case — with one goal: to fight for you.
We Are Local, But Nationally Respected
We represent clients in San Antonio, Bexar County, and across the U.S. in federal FCRA lawsuits. Our reputation is built on results, not promises.
No Fee Unless We Win
Our firm works on a contingency basis — meaning we don’t get paid unless you do. The law requires the other side to pay your legal fees if you win.
We Know the Credit Bureaus’ Tactics
We regularly go up against Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, as well as background check agencies and large banks. They know who we are — and that we don’t back down.
Personalized Attention
Every client matters. We provide responsive communication, clear updates, and direct attorney access throughout your case.
How FCRA Lawsuits Work
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when you hire Jaffer Law:
- Free Case Evaluation
We start with a free consultation to understand the errors and how they’ve impacted you. - Document Collection
We’ll gather your credit reports, disputes, background check records, and supporting documentation (letters, police reports, denials, etc.). - Dispute Process
In many cases, we will initiate a written dispute to the credit bureau or furnisher to comply with legal requirements and create a paper trail. - Filing the Lawsuit
If the dispute is ignored or denied, we file a lawsuit in federal court against the responsible party. You may be entitled to statutory, actual, and even punitive damages. - Settlement or Trial
Most cases settle once the credit bureau realizes we’re serious. But if needed, we are fully prepared to go to trial.
How Much Can You Recover?
The FCRA allows for several types of financial recovery:
- Statutory Damages – Up to $1,000 per violation (even without proving actual harm)
- Actual Damages – Reimbursement for denied loans, lost income, emotional distress, etc.
- Punitive Damages – In cases of willful misconduct
- Attorney Fees & Costs – Paid by the credit bureau or furnisher, not you
Example FCRA Case in San Antonio
Case Study: James M. – San Antonio Veteran
James, a U.S. Army veteran living in San Antonio, applied for a job at a government contractor. A background check showed a felony conviction that actually belonged to someone else with a similar name. Despite submitting documents to prove the mistake, the company refused to correct the report.
He came to Jaffer Law. We sued the background check company under the FCRA. Within months, the record was corrected, James was awarded $65,000 in damages, and his job offer was reinstated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if I have a case?
A: If you found an error on your credit or background report and the company failed to fix it after a dispute, or if you suffered harm from the mistake, you likely have a case.
Q: Can I fix errors myself?
A: Yes, but credit bureaus often ignore or deny consumer disputes. Having an experienced attorney increases your chance of success and enables you to recover damages.
Q: What if the mistake is small?
A: Even small mistakes can cause big problems. We’ll help you understand your legal options — and it costs nothing to ask.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Some cases resolve in a few months; others may take longer if they go to court. We move quickly and keep you informed every step of the way.
Areas We Serve Near San Antonio
In addition to representing residents in San Antonio, our FCRA attorneys serve clients in:
- New Braunfels
- Seguin
- Schertz
- Cibolo
- Converse
- Helotes
- Leon Valley
- Castle Hills
- Alamo Heights
- Universal City
No matter where you live in the San Antonio metro area, we can help.
Take Back Control of Your Credit and Reputation
You shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistake. Whether it’s a credit report error, a background check blunder, or identity theft mishandling, our San Antonio FCRA attorneys will help you hold the responsible parties accountable.