CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS

You have rights.
Keith helps you use them.

Congress and the Pennsylvania legislature created powerful laws to protect you from inaccurate credit reporting and abusive debt collection. Keith knows every provision — and how to make them work for you.

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Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Enacted in 1970, the FCRA protects consumers against inaccurate, unfair, or unverifiable information on credit reports. Key rights include:

  • Right to dispute errors with all three credit bureaus

  • Bureaus must investigate disputes within 30 days

  • Negative items can only remain for 7 years (bankruptcies 10 years)

  • Furnishers must investigate and correct inaccurate information

  • You can request a free credit report from each bureau annually

  • Limits who can access your credit report

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Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

The FDCPA protects you from abusive, unfair, and deceptive debt collection practices. Your rights include:

  • Collectors cannot call before 8am or after 9pm

  • Collectors must stop contacting you if you request it in writing

  • Right to demand debt verification within 30 days of first contact

  • Collectors cannot harass, threaten, or use false statements

  • Cannot misrepresent the amount owed or collector's identity

  • Violations can result in $1,000+ in damages per violation

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Pennsylvania Credit Services Act

73 P.S. § 2181 et seq.

Pennsylvania adds additional consumer protections beyond federal CROA for credit services organizations (CSOs):

  • CSOs must provide a written contract before services begin

  • Clients have a 5-business-day right to cancel the contract

  • CSOs cannot charge before services are fully performed

  • CSOs must obtain a surety bond filed with PA Dept. of State

  • Bond must equal 5% of fees (minimum $5,000 — maximum $25,000)

  • Written disclosure of your consumer rights required at signing

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Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA)

15 U.S.C. § 1679

Federal CROA protects you when working with any credit repair company nationwide:

  • You must receive a "Consumer Credit File Rights" disclosure

  • Written contract required stating all terms and services

  • You have a 3-business-day right to cancel without penalty

  • No advance fees before services are complete

  • Companies cannot make false or misleading claims

  • Cannot advise you to make false statements to bureaus

Important: Under both federal and Pennsylvania law, you have the right to dispute information on your credit report yourself — at no cost — by contacting Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-800-916-8800) directly, or through AnnualCreditReport.com. Keith the Credit Doctor provides professional advocacy services for consumers who want expert guidance navigating these laws.