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These things happen, so as long as you disclose it (if required by the bar application) and explain the circumstances, I don't think it should be a major obstacle.

I expect that filing legal action wouldn't be very productive (what concrete damages could you show, anyway?). That said, I don't buy the utility company's argument that it's not their responsibility. If they report a negative item to a credit bureau erroneously, it's up to them to correct it. Have you looked at the FTC's website? They have some information about how to handle situations like these: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0 ... it-reports. If the utility company refuses to budge, you should also look into filing a consumer complaint with the FTC: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/. And consider filing a complaint with the BBB.

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It's very infuriating when these things happens, especially if the company is refusing to correct the error. In this case, though, I'd listen to your post-law school inclination. Making a video and posting it will only needlessly escalate things and might get you sued. Likewise, I think a libel suit would also escalate things far out of proportion; I'm not even sure whether posting something to a credit report counts as "publishing" it, and, again, at this point you'd have a hard time proving damages. Either one of these would probably make any potential C&F issue considerably worse. For example, you may have to indicate whether you're participating or have participated in any litigation.

I'd follow the recourse listed at the FTC link I included above (i.e.: contacting the credit bureau, using the FTC's sample dispute letter). It might also make sense to wait a couple days to cool off before doing this. It's usually not a good idea to write an emotive letter -- dispassionate and methodical is the best style.

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totesTheGoat wrote:

Anonymous User wrote: well, i brought up the FCRA, and the lawyer explained it pertains to publishing the erroneous data. Essentially what takes place is if there's no answer to mail for 3 months, it is automatically emailed to a collection agency who gets a percentage of the paid bill. Based on what they said, a credit bureau sees each social that has a bill that goes to collection, and then documents it.

yeah, you're barking up the wrong tree. You need to go through the standard FCRA dispute steps instead of hurling threats at the utility company. The utility company may very well not be able to do anything if they sold the "debt."

The credit bureau can't publish information it has reason to know is false so I suppose I can get it removed by calling them. That's also why I thought maybe the company wrongly reporting it can be liable for libel.

The first sentence is reasonable... the second is off the rails.

The pre-law school part of me is pissed, has already found the personal cell phone #'s and addresses of these people and is tempted to display them and the call on youtube.

This is even more off the rails than suing them for libel, and could possibly expose you to liability. I think you need to calm the hell down. Formally dispute the credit ding with the credit bureaus, that's what a rational person would do. Save all the Rambo crap for if a simple letter or three won't fix the issue.

I know it sucks when you have to do a ton of work to fix somebody else's mess (identity theft is similar in that way), but channel your anger into something productive (like disputing the report) rather than just lashing out at people. Don't become the bad guy in this story by doing something stupider than the utility company.

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-delete- -apologies-

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