On January 7, 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Experian Information Solutions, Inc., one of the nation’s three largest consumer reporting agencies. The Bureau’s complaint alleges that Experian violated multiple provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) — the federal law that requires credit bureaus to maintain accurate consumer information and properly handle disputes.
The lawsuit underscores the CFPB’s growing effort to hold credit reporting agencies accountable for systemic errors that harm millions of consumers.
What Is the CFPB Lawsuit About?
The CFPB’s lawsuit alleges that Experian failed to meet its obligations under federal law in several significant ways. Specifically, the Bureau claims Experian:
Failed to Properly Reinvestigate Disputes – When consumers disputed inaccurate or incomplete information on their credit reports, Experian often failed to perform a meaningful reinvestigation.
Failed to Delete Inaccurate or Unverified Information – Experian allegedly allowed false, outdated, or unverified data to remain in consumer files even after being disputed.
Provided Inadequate Notice to Consumers – Experian did not consistently provide written notice explaining the results of its reinvestigations or the actions taken.
Allowed Deleted Information to Reappear – The company improperly reinserted information previously deleted as inaccurate or unverifiable.
Failed to Ensure Accuracy – Experian did not maintain reasonable procedures to assure the “maximum possible accuracy” of credit information, as required by law.
Alleged Unfair and Deceptive Practices
In addition to the FCRA violations, the CFPB also alleges that Experian engaged in unfair acts or practices in violation of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010.
According to the complaint, Experian:
Distorted or Mischaracterized Consumers’ Disputes by truncating and altering dispute information before sending it to furnishers (the companies that originally reported the data).
Relied Too Heavily on Furnishers by simply forwarding disputes and accepting the furnisher’s response, even when Experian had evidence the furnisher was unreliable.
Reinserted Deleted Tradelines Improperly by failing to match new tradelines with previously deleted ones, especially when the new information came from a different furnisher.
The CFPB argues that these practices harmed consumers by allowing inaccurate and incomplete information to remain on credit reports — information that can affect access to loans, housing, employment, and more.
Why the CFPB Took Action
Credit reporting agencies like Experian play a powerful role in consumers’ financial lives. When they fail to accurately report information or mishandle disputes, consumers can face serious consequences, such as:
Higher interest rates on credit cards or loans.
Rejected applications for mortgages or apartments.
Denied employment opportunities.
By filing this lawsuit, the CFPB seeks to force Experian into compliance with federal law, provide consumer redress to those harmed, and impose civil money penalties to deter future violations.
What Consumers Can Do
Consumers have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on their credit reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If you see errors on your Experian credit report, you should file a dispute directly with Experian in writing.
Send your dispute to:
Experian Information Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
📬 Tip: Send your dispute by certified mail with return receipt so you can track delivery. Keep copies of your letter and all supporting documents (such as payment records, identity theft reports, or correspondence with creditors). Clearly identify the error, explain why it’s incorrect, and include proof when available.
Bottom Line
The CFPB’s lawsuit against Experian highlights persistent problems in the credit reporting industry — especially how consumer disputes are handled. When agencies fail to reinvestigate disputes properly or rely too heavily on creditors to “verify” data, consumers pay the price through lower credit scores and limited financial opportunities.
This case serves as a reminder that credit bureaus must follow the law — and that consumers have powerful rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to challenge and correct errors.
Learn More
If you’ve disputed the issue and the inaccurate information still remains on your credit report, contact The Credit Attorney. Our team can review your case, help enforce your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and take legal action if necessary to get your credit corrected.
You can read the CFPB’s full complaint against Experian here:
👉 CFPB Lawsuit: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Experian Information Solutions, Inc. (January 7, 2025)
