Consumer Disputes including Debt Collection Abuse, Identity Theft and Credit Reporting Problems

Issues

Consumer disputes may involve home remodeling, automobile purchase and then either repair or loan problems, or general consumer product problems.  Sometimes an office consultation followed with a letter or phone call can solve the problem inexpensively.

Debt collection abuse includes threats of arrest, repeated phone calls, calls at work after asking them to stop, and other bad conduct.  Federal and state statutes provide for attorneys fees and court costs in appropriate cases.

Incorrect negative credit items and identity theft issues both involve credit reporting agencies.  Federal law allows you to dispute an incorrect credit item in writing to the credit reporting agency.  The agency must remove the item and verify the debt with the creditor within 30 days.  The creditor may have liability for wrongful insistence on leaving an incorrect item on your credit.

There are also special laws to help with identity theft problems including your right to a free credit report once a year to check that there are no items listed that you did not charge or promise to pay: see freecreditreport.com.  An attorney can help if items are listed against you that properly only pertain to an ex-spouse, child, or another person using your name without your knowledge or consent.

Consumer problems, especially under the Texas deceptive trade practices act, often must be filed in court within two years of the initial consumer event so do not delay too long in enforcing your rights.

There is also a Lemon Law in Texas that allows you to file an administrative complaint with the State of Texas if a new car you bought keeps having the same problem recurring despite dealer repairs.  This is a free complaint process with teeth.

How we can help

We can prepare appropriate demand letters to help clear your credit or stop illegal debt collection activities or harassment.

If necessary, we can file suit for damages or court orders to clear your credit.