LAW FIRM EXPANDS CONSUMER PROTECTION PRACTICE TO HELP VICTIMS OF "BAD CREDIT REPORTING"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, Illinois, January 30, 2002 - Krohn & Moss, Ltd., Illinois' largest lemon law firm, has expanded it's consumer protection practice. The firm will now be handling claims involving identity theft victim, and credit report problems, or violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), as well as Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) claims.The majority of credit information on consumers is gathered and reported by Equifax, Experian and Transunion, also known as "the big 3" credit reporting agencies. The crime of identity theft is growing at an alarming rate. Victims are often left with horribly damaged credit status as a result of the theft. According to Larry Smith, Krohn & Moss credit law lead attorney, "Identity Theft victims have 2 years to file a claim against the credit reporting agencies if the information in their credit report is inaccurate due to the theft. It is the responsibility of the credit reporting agency (CRA) to work with a victim, and the companies holding false accounts, in an effort to have the false information removed from the victim's credit file. But often, this is not done, and the information stays on the report, even when a diligent victim has provided the CRA's with the documentation that proves these charges were not theirs."The law firm of Krohn & Moss offers a free case review to identity theft victims, and will assist in the struggle to remove damaging information from their credit files. The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives consumers specific rights should there be information in their credit report that is incorrect or outdated. "Most consumers are not even aware they have rights regarding the information in their credit report," says Adam Krohn of Krohn & Moss."They are frustrated in their repeated attempts to dispute any wrong information with the CRA and have it removed," adds Mr. Krohn. Under the FCRA, a credit reporting agency and creditor must investigate a dispute, and if the information is found to be incorrect, must remove it within 30 days. After 30 days the consumer can take legal action against the reporting agency if the information is still being show. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted to ensure specific rules and procedures would be followed by those companies or individuals who collect debt for others, and to prevent unwarranted harassment of those who owe. If a collector violates this law, a consumer has the right to take legal action against the offending debt collector. Consumers can research their rights and find more information, by visiting the Krohn & Moss credit reporting website, www.creditreportlawyers.com. The site also features the law firm of Francis & Mailman, PC, a Philadelphia consumer firm that has handled FCRA and FDCPA cases extensively. Visitors to the website can submit an online form to reach the firms, or can call 1-800-875-3666 or 1-877-735-8600.