In his view, DoNotPay can make a difference by handling the hard parts so a wronged consumer can more easily seek justice. For Browder, a senior at Stanford, it’s more about the principle than money. I think a lot of people will be hurt by this and will be able to demonstrate if someone has a $15,000 fraud there’s no reason they won’t get $15,000 back.”ĭoNotPay does not make money or receive commissions so far, although Browder said perhaps an ad-revenue-based business model may appeal in the future. “Our response is, we seek the maximum because of the permanent damage,” he said. Justifying these numbers is easy, according to Browder. In terms of damages, different states cap the amount differently, but somewhere between $10,000 to $15,000 is standard. Using the answers, the chatbot can create useful forms - in this case, the documents needed to take Equifax to court. “ There’s no chance a class action would bar a consumer from bringing such a case.” How the chatbot worksĮarlier this year, Browder had developed a custom software that allows him to quickly create a “chatbot,” a program that asks users questions. Paul Bland, an attorney and executive director for Public Justice. “ The consumer can definitely go forward in small claims court, even if a class action is pending,” said F. However, you may have to opt-out of a class action to be eligible, something for which DoNotPay might have to write another bot. They don’t take kindly to big corporations pushing people around.”Ĭlass action cases generally won’t affect a consumer’s right to take a corporation to small claims court, provided the company does business in that state. In a lot of these states you’re not allowed lawyers, there are no legal fees, and state judges are more sympathetic and more fair. “Instead of taking Equifax to federal court, they could take Equifax to small claims. “I think people should be empowered to do it themselves,” Browder said. Step 4.Despite the pending federal lawsuits, Browder sees small claims court as the ideal way to deal with this, without involving costly lawyers or complex cases that could last years. When someone asks to see your credit report, they will discover that you dispute the information. The agency must keep your letter on file. When you send the letter or update form to the credit reporting agency, keep a copy for yourself. Equifax and TransUnion both have forms on their websites that you can download. Instead of drafting a letter from scratch you can fill out a form requesting a correction. For example, if your credit report says you missed payments on your phone bill, attach copies of your bank statements showing the payments. The letter should also ask that the agency fix the report, and that a copy of the letter be kept in your credit file.Īny proof you have to support your position, include it with the letter. The reason for your dispute - for example, “ I paid this charge” or “ I did not open this account” The name of the company you’re having the dispute with Your previous address, if you’ve lived at your current address for less than two years Your social insurance number (SIN) or major credit card number Be specific about what information you want changed. Ask them to fix or remove the mistake in your credit report. Send the credit reporting agency a letter.

That you may ask for a review of the decision within 30 days How to contact an employee who can answer your questions If it refuses your request, it must tell you: Generally, the credit reporting agency has 30 days to respond to your request. The note must include the correction that you requested.

The credit reporting agency must add a note to your report that you asked for the information to be corrected. If it fails to do so, it must explain why, in writing. It must also send the new correct information to anyone who received your credit report in the last year. If the credit reporting agency agrees to make the correction, it must do so promptly. See “Work out the problem,” below, for the steps to follow.

You should ask the credit reporting agency to correct the error (and contact your phone company about it). Under BC law, you have the right to ask a credit reporting agency to fix any mistake you find in your credit report.įor example, let’s say your report shows you haven’t made regular payments on your phone bill, yet you know you have.

Chatbot website for suing equifax