You may sue a CRA or a company that provides data to a CRA in federal or state court. If you win, you may be entitled to recover an amount for damages you have actually incurred or a maximum of $1,000, whichever is greater. You may also recover court costs and attorney fees.

In addition to filing your own lawsuit, you may complain to the FTC or your state Attorney General�s Office. Although government agencies do not represent individual citizens, agencies charged with enforcing laws such as the FCRA do investigate reported violations. In most cases, an agency�s primary source of information is complaints from the public.

While the FCRA is generally enforced on the federal level by the FTC, compliance by those who use or furnish information to a CRA may be enforced by other federal agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Comptroller of the Currency. Complaints of violations of the FCRA may also be filed with those agencies. Other federal agencies with authority to enforce the FCRA can be found at the end of this fact sheet.

To summarize your credit reporting rights, you have the right to:

• Obtain a copy of your credit report (sometimes free).
• Know who has received a copy of your report.
• Dispute inaccurate information.
• Even if negative information is included, to explain the circumstances.
• "Opt-out" to prevent credit bureaus from using your information for marketing.
• Complain to the appropriate government agency or file a lawsuit.

These questions and answers are provided for IowaMotors.com users' general information. Although we make every effort to insure accuracy in the information provided, we cannot make any guarantees as to this accuracy. We urge you to consult your lawyer, accountant or tax advisor for specific legal or tax advice.