Other Financial Issues: Debt, Scams, Credit Disputes & More

From debt collection harassment to cryptocurrency scams, payday loan disputes to credit report errors—get help resolving financial issues not covered elsewhere. Know your rights under FDCPA, FCRA, and other consumer protection laws.

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Overview: Other Financial Issues

This page covers financial disputes and issues that don't fit neatly into other categories—but that doesn't make them any less important. We're talking about debt collection harassment, payday loans charging 400% APR, buy-now-pay-later companies like Klarna and Afterpay, cryptocurrency scams that've bilked Americans out of billions, credit report errors that can tank your score by 100+ points, prepaid card problems, and money transfer fraud.

While these issues might seem diverse, they actually share common threads: there are strong federal consumer protection laws protecting you (FDCPA, FCRA, Regulation E), you can file free complaints through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (which responds to 97% of complaints and has returned over $19 billion to consumers since 2011), and when you know your rights, success rates are surprisingly high.

Here's a reality check: most people don't know they can sue debt collectors for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney fees when they're harassed. They don't realize that credit bureaus are legally required to fix errors within 30 days or face lawsuits. They don't know that many payday loans with APRs above their state's cap are actually unenforceable—meaning legally, you might not owe the money at all.

Whether you're being called 20 times a day by debt collectors (yes, that's illegal), trapped in a predatory payday loan debt spiral, disputing fraudulent BNPL charges, trying to recover from a pig butchering crypto scam, fixing credit report errors after identity theft, dealing with a frozen prepaid card that has your paycheck on it, or realizing you sent $5,000 via Western Union to a romance scammer—this guide provides actionable steps, explains your legal protections, and gives you realistic expectations about what you can recover.

A note on this page's scope: These are "other" financial issues because they don't fit into our dedicated pages for chargebacks, banking fees, mis-sold products, etc. But for many people reading this, these issues are anything but "other"—they're urgent, stressful, and often involve significant amounts of money. We've compiled everything here precisely because these problems tend to get less attention elsewhere, even though the laws protecting you are often stronger than you'd think.

Debt Collection Harassment

Let's be blunt: debt collectors break the law constantly. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provides robust protections against abusive collection tactics, but violations are shockingly common. According to consumer complaints, debt collectors routinely call dozens of times per day, threaten arrest, use profanity, contact employers and family members, and even impersonate law enforcement. The good news? These violations give you powerful remedies, including the right to sue for statutory damages even if you actually owe the debt.

Here's what many people don't realize: the FDCPA awards statutory damages of up to $1,000 per lawsuit (not per violation, but still), plus actual damages for things like emotional distress and lost wages, plus attorney fees. That last part is huge—the debt collector pays your lawyer if you win, which means many consumer attorneys handle FDCPA cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless you recover money.

Real-world context: Debt collection is a massive industry—Americans owe over $850 billion in collection debt. CFPB data shows that consumers submitted nearly 10,000 payday loan complaints in less than three years, with 91% showing signs of unaffordability including abusive collection practices. The CFPB has cracked down on multiple major collectors, resulting in millions in fines and compensation to consumers.

Your FDCPA Rights

The FDCPA regulates third-party debt collectors (companies collecting debts owed to someone else). It doesn't cover original creditors collecting their own debts, though many states have laws that do. Here's what debt collectors absolutely cannot do:

Illegal Debt Collection Practices

  • Time restrictions: Calling before 8am or after 9pm in your time zone (this is strictly enforced)
  • Workplace contact: Calling you at work after you've told them (verbally or in writing) that your employer doesn't allow such calls
  • Cease-and-desist violation: Contacting you at all after you've sent a written cease-and-desist letter, except to notify you of specific legal actions they're taking
  • Threats: Threatening violence, criminal prosecution, arrest, or wage garnishment/property seizure without legal authority to do so (most collectors can't have you arrested—debt isn't a crime)
  • Abusive language: Using profane, obscene, or abusive language
  • Harassment: Calling repeatedly with intent to annoy, harass, or abuse (courts have found that 6-10+ calls per day can constitute harassment)
  • Third-party disclosure: Discussing your debt with anyone except you, your attorney, or your spouse. They can contact others only to locate you, and even then can't mention the debt
  • False representation: Pretending to be law enforcement, government officials, attorneys (if they're not), or credit bureau representatives
  • Misrepresentation: Falsely claiming you'll be arrested, that they're filing a lawsuit when they're not, or that you owe more than you actually do
  • Unfair practices: Threatening to take actions they can't legally take or don't intend to take, adding unauthorized fees, post-dating checks to threaten prosecution

Your powerful remedies if they violate FDCPA:

  • Sue for money: Up to $1,000 in statutory damages per lawsuit (you don't have to prove you were harmed to get this), plus actual damages (medical bills from stress, therapy costs, lost wages if you had to miss work), plus attorney fees and court costs paid by the collector
  • Send cease-and-desist letter: Mail a letter (certified, return receipt) telling them to stop contacting you. They must comply, though this doesn't make the debt go away—they can still sue you in court
  • Request debt validation: Within 30 days of first contact, send a written request demanding they prove you owe the debt. They must stop collection until they send verification
  • File CFPB complaint: Free online process at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. CFPB tracks patterns and has sued major collectors
  • Report to state Attorney General: State AGs have their own enforcement powers and may pursue class actions

How to build a strong FDCPA case: Document everything. Keep a call log with dates, times, and what was said. Save voicemails (especially ones with threats or profanity). Record calls if legal in your state (one-party consent states allow you to record without telling them; two-party states require their consent—know your state's law). Save all letters and emails. Take screenshots of texts. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case and the higher your likely settlement.

Timeline matters: You must sue within one year of the FDCPA violation. Don't wait—violations fade from memory and evidence gets lost. Most FDCPA cases settle out of court because violations are clear-cut and collectors don't want to pay attorney fees. Typical settlements range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on severity.

Example: Successful FDCPA Case

Maria was being harassed by a debt collector about a $2,500 medical debt. They called her 15 times per day, called after 9pm repeatedly, left voicemails using profanity, called her at work after she told them not to, and told her she'd be arrested if she didn't pay immediately. She documented 30 days of calls (over 200 calls total), saved all voicemails, and sent a cease-and-desist letter which they ignored.

She contacted a consumer rights attorney who took the case on contingency. They sued for FDCPA violations. The collector settled for $3,500 ($1,000 statutory damages + $2,500 for emotional distress) plus $7,000 in attorney fees paid separately to her lawyer. Maria paid nothing out of pocket and the harassment stopped immediately.

Result: $3,500 to Maria + harassment stopped. The original debt? Still owed, but they couldn't harass her anymore, and she later negotiated a settlement directly with the hospital for $1,800.

Payday Loans & Predatory Lending

Payday loans are financial traps dressed up as short-term solutions. With APRs routinely hitting 400% or even higher—and in some cases disclosed as 0% APR with "voluntary tips" that bring the true rate to 498%—these loans are designed to keep you in a cycle of debt. Here's a gut-punch statistic from CFPB research: 91% of payday loan complaints showed signs of unaffordability, including abusive debt collection practices, bank account closures from failed withdrawal attempts, long-term debt cycles, and bank overdraft fees triggered by the lender's collection attempts.

But here's the thing many payday borrowers don't know: your loan might actually be illegal. Many states cap interest rates at 36% APR, and some fintech payday lenders try to evade these caps by hiding the true cost through "tips" or "expedite fees." If your payday loan's effective APR exceeds your state's usury limit, the loan may be unenforceable—meaning legally, you might not owe it.

Recent regulatory activity: The CFPB's pared-down Payday Loan Rule went into effect on March 30, 2025, addressing bounced payment fees. In 2024, the CFPB released a proposed interpretive rule to crack down on fintech payday lenders evading state rate caps by disguising 300% APR loans. Companies like EarnIn have been caught disclosing 0% APR on a $100 loan but inserting an $11 "tip" plus $4 "expedite fee"—bringing the true APR to 498%. The CFPB is actively pursuing enforcement against these practices.

Check Your State's Interest Rate Cap

Many states have usury laws capping interest rates. Common caps:

  • 18 states + DC: Prohibit payday lending entirely or cap rates at 36% APR
  • Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia: 36% APR or effective prohibition
  • Other states: Vary widely (some allow 400%+, others have specific payday loan regulations)

If you're in a state with a 36% cap and your payday loan charges more, contact a consumer rights attorney. The loan may be void and unenforceable.

Your options to escape payday loan debt:

  • Verify legality: Calculate the true APR of your loan (include all fees, tips, expedite charges). If it exceeds your state's cap, the loan may be illegal. Consult a consumer attorney—you might not legally owe it.
  • Request Extended Payment Plan (EPP): Federal law and many state laws require payday lenders to offer extended payment plans (typically 60-180 days with no additional fees) if you're unable to pay. Call your lender and ask for EPP options. This can break the rollover cycle.
  • Revoke ACH authorization: Payday lenders love automatic withdrawals because they get paid first. You can revoke ACH authorization in writing to your bank. Send a letter (certified mail) stating: "I revoke authorization for [Lender Name] to make electronic debits from my account [Account Number]. Do not honor any future ACH requests from this company." Follow up with a phone call to your bank. Note: The lender can still sue you for the debt, but they can't drain your account.
  • File complaints: File with your state's financial regulator (usually Department of Financial Institutions or Banking Commissioner) and CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. If enough complaints pile up, regulators may investigate.
  • Nonprofit credit counseling: Contact an NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling) member agency. They can negotiate with payday lenders and consolidate debts into affordable payments, often with reduced fees.
  • Direct negotiation: If you have a lump sum (even 40-50% of the balance), call the lender and offer to settle. Many will accept less than full balance to close the account. Get any settlement in writing before paying.
  • Consider bankruptcy: If you're drowning in multiple payday loans, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate them completely (if you qualify based on income). It's drastic, but sometimes it's the fastest way to escape the cycle.

DON'T Make These Payday Loan Mistakes

  • Don't roll over the loan: Rolling over (taking a new loan to pay the old one) creates a debt trap. Fees compound exponentially. A $300 loan can balloon to $1,000+ in just a few months.
  • Don't take another payday loan to pay the first: This is a debt spiral. You'll end up owing multiple lenders with compounding fees.
  • Don't ignore it completely: While many payday loans are illegal, ignoring them doesn't make them go away. The lender can sue you and win a judgment (wage garnishment, bank levy). Better to address it head-on.
  • Don't give them your debit card: Some lenders ask for your debit card number or even the physical card as "collateral." This violates regulations in many states and gives them direct access to drain your account.

Safer alternatives to payday loans: Many employers now offer early wage access programs (advance on wages you've already earned, often $0 fee or small fee like $3). Credit union payday alternative loans (PALs) have 28% APR caps. Local nonprofits sometimes offer emergency cash assistance. Even a credit card cash advance (usually 25-30% APR) is cheaper than a 400% APR payday loan. And if you're in a true emergency, talk to the creditor you need to pay—many will work out payment plans rather than force you into predatory lending.

Buy Now Pay Later Disputes

Buy Now Pay Later services—Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Sezzle, PayPal Pay in 4, and others—have exploded in popularity. According to a 2025 LendingTree survey, nearly half of Americans have used BNPL, and close to a quarter (23%) have had three or more active BNPL loans at one time. That's a lot of people juggling multiple payment due dates with no centralized tracking.

Here's the issue: BNPL traditionally had fewer consumer protections than credit cards. But that's changing fast. In May 2024, the CFPB introduced new regulations requiring BNPL providers to adhere to stricter consumer protection standards, including dispute resolution and refund processing requirements. Crucially, BNPL companies must now provide the same protections as conventional credit card companies—including investigating disputes, providing periodic billing statements, and refunding returned products or voided transactions.

This is huge. Previously, if you bought something with Klarna that arrived defective, and the merchant refused a refund, you might have been stuck. Now, you have credit card-like dispute rights: the BNPL provider must investigate, and they must temporarily pause payment obligations during the investigation.

Your BNPL rights (as of May 2024 CFPB regulations):

  • Dispute resolution: BNPL lenders must investigate consumer disputes and temporarily halt payment obligations during investigation—just like credit card chargebacks. File disputes for defective products, items not delivered, merchant refusing legitimate returns, or fraudulent charges.
  • Periodic billing statements: BNPL providers must send you statements showing your balance, payments, and upcoming due dates. This helps you track multiple BNPL accounts (which can get confusing fast).
  • Refunds for returned products: If you return an item and the merchant accepts the return, the BNPL provider must reverse the charges. They can't make you keep paying for something you've already sent back.
  • Regulation E protections for unauthorized charges: If someone fraudulently uses your BNPL account, you have similar protections to debit cards. Report within 60 days for full protection. Your liability is limited (typically $50 if reported within 2 days, $500 if reported 2-60 days).
  • Credit reporting protections: If BNPL providers report to credit bureaus (some do, some don't), they must follow FCRA rules. You can dispute inaccurate reporting.
  • Hardship programs: Many BNPL providers offer hardship programs if you can't make payments due to job loss, medical emergency, etc. Ask—it's not automatic, but often available.

How Dispute Processes Differ by Provider

Different BNPL companies handle disputes differently, though new CFPB rules are standardizing this:

  • Sezzle and Affirm: Act as mediators between you and the merchant. They'll investigate and make a determination.
  • Afterpay and Klarna: Won't mediate, but filing a dispute temporarily halts payments until your issue is resolved (per new CFPB rules).
  • PayPal Pay in 4: Offers purchase protection similar to traditional credit cards, reimbursing you for the full purchase price plus shipping if dispute is ruled in your favor.

Best practice: File your dispute both with the BNPL provider AND with the merchant. If neither resolves it, file a CFPB complaint at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

BNPL risks you need to understand:

  • Late fees accumulate fast: Typically $7-10 per missed payment, and with 23% of users having 3+ active BNPL accounts, it's easy to miss a payment and rack up fees.
  • Credit reporting is inconsistent: Some BNPL providers report to credit bureaus (which can hurt your score if you miss payments), others don't (which means on-time payments don't help build credit). Ask your provider about their reporting policy.
  • No centralized tracking: Unlike credit cards where you see all charges on one statement, BNPL accounts are separate. You might have Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay all with different due dates—easy to lose track.
  • Spending overextension: BNPL makes it psychologically easy to overspend because you don't feel the full cost upfront. That $600 purchase feels like $150 when split into four payments—until you have six different BNPL payments all due in the same week.

BNPL Best Practices

  • Treat BNPL like a credit card: Only use it if you can afford to pay in full right now. The installment plan is a convenience, not a substitute for having money.
  • Track all payment due dates: Use a calendar or budgeting app to track every BNPL payment. Missing even one can trigger late fees and potentially credit reporting.
  • Dispute immediately: If a product is defective, not delivered, or not as described, file a dispute right away. Don't wait until you've paid it off—exercise your new rights under CFPB rules.
  • Ask about hardship programs: If you lose your job or face an emergency, contact your BNPL provider immediately. Many offer payment deferrals or hardship plans, but you have to ask.
  • Limit active accounts: Having one BNPL account is manageable. Having five with overlapping due dates is a recipe for missed payments.

What happens with changes at CFPB? There's ongoing regulatory uncertainty. Some sources note that "with changes at the CFPB, consumers might not have protections," suggesting that the May 2024 rules could potentially be weakened. Stay informed about your rights, and if a BNPL provider violates the regulations (refusing to investigate disputes, not issuing refunds for returns), file a CFPB complaint immediately to create a paper trail.

Cryptocurrency Scams

Let me be brutally honest: if you've lost money to a cryptocurrency scam, recovering it is extremely difficult. But "extremely difficult" doesn't mean impossible, and the steps you take in the first 24-48 hours can make the difference between recovering something versus losing everything.

Cryptocurrency scams have bilked Americans out of billions. Common scams include "pig butchering" (where scammers build long-term romantic or friendship relationships before luring victims into fake investment platforms), rug pulls (new coins or NFTs that suddenly disappear), phishing sites (fake wallets or exchanges that steal your login), and Ponzi schemes (high returns paid from "new investors" rather than actual profits).

The harsh reality: Recovery rates for crypto scams are typically 10-20% at best. Why? Crypto transactions are designed to be irreversible. Scammers are often overseas, beyond US legal jurisdiction. They quickly move funds through multiple wallets and exchanges ("tumbling") to obscure the trail. Many exchanges won't cooperate without a court order, which takes time and money to obtain.

IMMEDIATE Actions (First 24-48 Hours)

Time is critical. Scammers move funds fast. Take these steps immediately:

  • Report to FBI IC3: Go to ic3.gov right now. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center tracks crypto scams and coordinates with international law enforcement. While they can't recover your money directly, they build cases against scam operations, and your report creates documentation you'll need for any recovery attempt.
  • Contact your crypto exchange: If you used a US-based exchange like Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini to send funds, contact them immediately. If the scammer's receiving address is associated with an account on that exchange and the funds haven't been withdrawn yet, the exchange might freeze the account. This is time-sensitive—scammers withdraw fast.
  • File FTC complaint: reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks scam patterns and can warn others, and your complaint becomes part of your paper trail.
  • Report to state Attorney General: Your state AG may be pursuing enforcement against crypto scams and might be able to assist or at least document your case.
  • File CFPB complaint if applicable: If you funded the crypto purchase using a US bank, credit card, wire transfer, or other financial institution regulated by the CFPB, file a complaint at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Sometimes chargebacks are possible on the fiat-to-crypto transaction, though this window closes fast (usually 60-120 days max).
  • Consider hiring crypto recovery specialist: Companies exist that specialize in blockchain analysis and tracing stolen crypto. They charge fees (sometimes percentage of recovery), but if significant funds are involved, they might be able to trace your crypto through the blockchain and identify where it landed. Some recovery if funds are still in traceable wallets.

Common crypto scams and red flags:

  • Pig butchering scams: Scammer builds romantic or friendship relationship over weeks/months (often via WhatsApp, Instagram, dating apps). Eventually introduces you to "amazing" crypto investment opportunity. Shows you fake platform with growing "profits." When you try to withdraw, they demand fees/taxes upfront. RED FLAG: Anyone who starts as romance/friendship and pivots to investment advice is a scammer. Period.
  • Guaranteed returns scams: "Invest $1,000, get $10,000 back in 30 days guaranteed!" Crypto is volatile—any guarantee of specific returns is a lie. RED FLAGS: Promises of high guaranteed returns, pressure to invest quickly, celebrity endorsements (often fake).
  • Rug pulls: New cryptocurrency or NFT project builds hype, collects investments, then developers disappear with all funds. RED FLAGS: Anonymous team, no clear use case for the coin/NFT, heavy marketing/hype but no substance.
  • Phishing/fake wallets: Website or app that looks like legitimate wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet) or exchange but is fake. You enter your seed phrase or private keys, scammers drain wallet immediately. RED FLAGS: URL is slightly off (metamaks.com instead of metamask.io), unsolicited links, requests for seed phrase.
  • Giveaway scams: "Send 1 ETH, get 2 ETH back!" Often impersonating celebrities like Elon Musk. It's always fake. Rule: Never send crypto to "verify" your account or participate in "giveaways."

Prevention: How to Avoid Crypto Scams

  • Never invest based on social media promises: Especially from people who contacted you first. Legit investments don't find you—you find them through research.
  • Never send crypto to "verify" your account: No legitimate platform requires you to send crypto to verify or unlock anything.
  • Never share private keys or seed phrases: Anyone asking for these is a scammer. Even customer support from legitimate companies will never ask for your seed phrase.
  • Research thoroughly: Before investing in any crypto project, research the team (are they real people with LinkedIn profiles?), check SEC and CFTC warning lists, look for reviews on Reddit and other forums (though be wary of fake reviews).
  • Be skeptical of guaranteed returns: If crypto returns were guaranteed, everyone would be rich. Volatility is inherent—any guarantee is a red flag.
  • Use hardware wallets for significant holdings: Ledger, Trezor—these keep your private keys offline and protected from phishing.
  • Enable 2FA everywhere: Use authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy), not SMS 2FA which can be SIM-swapped.

What about crypto recovery services? Be very careful. Many "crypto recovery" companies are themselves scams targeting scam victims (scam-on-scam). Legitimate blockchain forensics firms exist (CipherBlade, Chainalysis), but they typically work with law enforcement or handle large cases. If you're considering a recovery service, verify they're legitimate (check BBB, state registration, ask for references), never pay large upfront fees, and be skeptical of guarantees.

Credit Report Errors

Credit report errors aren't just annoying—they cost you real money. An error that drops your score by 50-100 points can mean the difference between a 4% mortgage and a 6% mortgage. On a $300,000 loan, that's an extra $108,000 in interest over 30 years. So yeah, it's worth fixing.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and the companies that report to them (banks, creditors, debt collectors) maintain accurate information. When they don't, you have powerful legal remedies—including the right to sue for statutory damages even if you can't quantify your exact harm.

Recent enforcement shows they're not getting away with it: In January 2025, the CFPB fined Equifax $15 million for failing to thoroughly investigate consumer disputes, putting previously deleted errors back on credit reports, failing to block information from identity theft, and sharing inaccurate credit scores and data with lenders. The CFPB also sued Experian in January 2025, alleging the company failed to properly investigate consumer disputes and included incorrect information on credit reports.

These enforcement actions matter because they show the credit bureaus routinely violate FCRA. If they're doing it systematically, there's a good chance your credit report has errors too.

FCRA Dispute Process

The dispute process is straightforward but must be followed correctly. Here's the step-by-step:

  1. Get your credit reports: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com (the only authorized source for free reports). You're entitled to one free report from each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) every 12 months. Pull all three—errors may appear on one bureau but not others.
  2. Review thoroughly for errors: Common errors include accounts that aren't yours (identity theft or mixed files), incorrect balances (showing you owe more than you do), wrong payment history (showing late payments when you paid on time), duplicate accounts (same debt reported twice), debts beyond statute of limitations still showing (most negative info must be removed after 7 years, bankruptcy after 10), paid accounts showing as unpaid.
  3. Dispute in writing with credit bureaus: DO NOT use online dispute forms (bureaus can mark your dispute as "frivolous" more easily). Write a letter for each error, send via certified mail with return receipt. Include your identification (name, address, SSN, date of birth), list each error clearly, explain why it's wrong, attach supporting documents (payment receipts, identity theft reports, court documents, account statements). Address: Equifax (P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256), Experian (P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013), TransUnion (P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000).
  4. Credit bureaus investigate (30 days): The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires bureaus to investigate within 30 days (or 45 days if you provide additional information mid-investigation). They must contact the creditor or debt collector who reported the information and verify it's accurate. If the creditor can't verify the information or doesn't respond in time, the error must be removed from your report.
  5. Review results: Bureaus must provide you with results in writing. If the error is corrected, they must send you an updated credit report for free. If they refuse to correct it, they must tell you why and provide information about the creditor who verified the information.
  6. Escalate if needed: If the bureau doesn't remove an error and you have proof it's wrong, you can dispute directly with the furnisher (the company that reported the information). Send them a letter with your evidence (they have similar investigation obligations). If that fails, you can sue under FCRA.

What You Can Recover in FCRA Lawsuits

If credit bureaus or furnishers violate FCRA (fail to investigate, don't fix errors, put deleted info back on your report), you can sue for:

  • Actual damages: Denied credit, higher interest rates paid, emotional distress, time and effort spent fixing errors. If you can prove you were denied a mortgage or car loan due to the error, damages can be substantial.
  • Statutory damages: $100 to $1,000 per willful violation (you don't need to prove actual harm). If they knew they were wrong and did it anyway, statutory damages apply.
  • Punitive damages: If violations were malicious or reckless, courts can award additional punitive damages to punish the company.
  • Attorney fees and costs: The credit bureau or furnisher pays your lawyer if you win. This is huge—many consumer rights attorneys handle FCRA cases on contingency.

Statute of limitations: 2-5 years depending on violation type. Don't wait—evidence degrades and memories fade.

Pro tips for successful disputes:

  • Dispute each error separately: One letter per error makes tracking easier and prevents bureaus from lumping disputes together as "frivolous."
  • Keep copies of everything: Save copies of your letters, certified mail receipts, and all responses. You'll need these if you sue.
  • Follow up at 30 days: If you haven't received a response after 30 days, send a follow-up letter noting they've violated FCRA by failing to complete investigation in required timeframe.
  • Check all three bureaus: An error on Equifax might not appear on Experian or TransUnion (or vice versa). Dispute with whichever bureaus show the error.
  • Add consumer statement if dispute denied: If a bureau refuses to remove an error, you can add a 100-word statement to your credit report explaining your side. It won't change your score, but lenders will see it.
  • Consider hiring an attorney for serious errors: If an error cost you a mortgage, car loan, or apartment, contact a consumer rights attorney. Many offer free consultations and work on contingency for FCRA cases.

Recent Equifax and Experian CFPB actions (2025) show common violations: Failure to conduct reasonable investigations (rubber-stamping furnisher responses without actually verifying), reinsertion of previously deleted information without proper notice to consumer, failure to provide required notices when disputes are deemed frivolous, sharing inaccurate scores with lenders (in Equifax's case, wrong credit scores were sent to lenders, potentially affecting loan decisions). If any of these happened to you, you may have a strong FCRA claim.

Prepaid Card Issues

Prepaid cards have Regulation E protections. Report unauthorized charges within 2 days for $50 max liability, 2-60 days for $500 max.

Common issues: Unauthorized charges, excessive fees, frozen accounts, lost/stolen cards.

Dispute process: Contact provider immediately, follow up in writing within 60 days, file CFPB complaint if provider doesn't resolve.

Money Transfer Scams

Money transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram, wire transfers) are nearly irreversible. Common scams: romance scams, fake prizes, grandparent scams, job scams.

Prevention

  • Never send money to people you haven't met in person
  • Verify requests by calling person directly
  • Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto for unexpected requests
  • Be skeptical of urgency
  • Use credit cards for purchases (chargeback protection)

How to File CFPB Complaints

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau handles complaints about financial companies. Filing is free and often resolves issues faster than lawsuits.

Process:

  1. Go to consumerfinance.gov/complaint
  2. Select your issue type
  3. Describe what happened (be specific: dates, amounts, company responses)
  4. Upload supporting documents
  5. Submit

Results: Companies respond to 97% of complaints within 15 days. CFPB has returned $19+ billion to consumers since 2011.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is debt collection harassment and what are my rights under FDCPA?

How do I deal with payday loans and predatory lenders?

What are my rights with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services?

I was scammed in a cryptocurrency investment. Can I get my money back?

How do I dispute an error on my credit report?

What is the CFPB and how do I file a complaint?

Can I sue debt collectors for harassment?

What should I do about prepaid card problems?

How can I avoid money transfer scams?

What are my rights if a company reports false information to credit bureaus?

Should I work with a debt settlement company?

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CFPB Complaint Results & When to Sue

CFPB Track Record (2011-2024)

$19B+

Returned to consumers since 2011

97%

Companies respond within 15 days

3.7M+

Complaints handled to date

CFPB complaints are extremely effective. Companies know CFPB reviews responses and can bring enforcement actions, so they take complaints seriously. Always file a CFPB complaint before considering a lawsuit.

When to Sue (Federal Laws with Private Right of Action)

Some federal consumer financial protection laws allow you to sue directly and recover attorney fees + statutory damages:

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

  • • What it covers: Harassment, threats, false statements by debt collectors
  • • Damages: Up to $1,000 per violation + actual damages + attorney fees
  • • Deadline: 1 year from violation
  • • Example violations: Calling before 8am/after 9pm, threatening arrest, disclosing debt to third parties, continuing contact after cease-and-desist letter

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

  • • What it covers: Inaccurate credit reports, failure to investigate disputes, improper credit pulls
  • • Damages: Actual damages + statutory damages $100-$1,000 + attorney fees
  • • Deadline: 2 years from discovery, 5 years from violation
  • • Example violations: Not correcting errors after dispute, reporting debt past statute of limitations, pulling credit without permissible purpose

Truth in Lending Act (TILA)

  • • What it covers: Failure to disclose APR, finance charges, payment terms
  • • Damages: Actual damages + statutory damages (twice finance charge, $200-$2,000 cap for most loans) + attorney fees
  • • Deadline: 1 year from violation
  • • Example violations: Not disclosing true APR on credit card, hiding fees in mortgage, misleading loan terms

Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA / Reg E)

  • • What it covers: Unauthorized debit card/ACH transactions, failure to investigate disputes
  • • Damages: Actual damages + statutory damages $100-$1,000 + attorney fees
  • • Deadline: 1 year from violation
  • • Example violations: Not providing provisional credit during investigation, ignoring fraud reports, unauthorized recurring payments

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

  • • What it covers: Robocalls, auto-dialed calls to cell phones, calls after you said stop
  • • Damages: $500-$1,500 per call/text + attorney fees
  • • Deadline: 4 years (some courts apply 1 year)
  • • Example violations: Calling cell phone with auto-dialer without consent, robocalls without prior written consent, calling after revocation of consent

Should You Hire a Lawyer or Sue Pro Se?

✓ Hire a Lawyer If:

  • • Multiple violations (increases damages dramatically)
  • • Complex FCRA case (requires expert testimony)
  • • Large actual damages (lost job, emotional distress)
  • • Defendant has money/insurance (collectability matters)
  • • Many lawyers work on contingency (no upfront fees, get paid from settlement)

✓ Pro Se (Self-Represent) If:

  • • Simple FDCPA violation (clear evidence)
  • • Small claims court jurisdiction (usually <$5K-$10K)
  • • Single or few violations
  • • You're comfortable with paperwork and court filings
  • • Defendant is local and collectible

Tip: Many consumer attorneys offer FREE consultations. Even if you plan to go pro se, get free legal advice first to understand your case strength and what evidence you need.

Know Your Financial Rights

Whether facing debt harassment, credit errors, or scams—you have strong legal protections. File free CFPB complaints and know when to sue.

Assess Your IssueFile CFPB Complaint