Dustin Dean Cooper v. Trans Union, L.L.C.

Chicago, Illinois, consumer credit law lawyer represented the Plaintiff who sued on a Fair Credit Reporting Act theory under 15 U.S.C. 1681.

AI Overview

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects consumers from inaccurate, unfair, and irrelevant information in their credit reports, safeguarding against identity theft, data breaches, and unfair denial of credit or employment by ensuring the confidentiality, accuracy, and privacy of personal financial data. It gives consumers rights to access, dispute, and correct errors, limits negative info reporting time (usually 7 years), and controls who can access their credit file, preventing unauthorized use.

Key Protections & Rights:

Accuracy: Requires credit bureaus (CRAs) to use "reasonable procedures" to ensure accuracy, allowing you to dispute and correct errors like wrong balances or payment histories.

Privacy & Security: Limits access to your credit file to authorized parties for specific purposes (like credit, insurance, or employment) and protects sensitive data.

Identity Theft: Helps combat identity theft by allowing you to place fraud alerts and by controlling access to your file if you're a victim.

Outdated Information: Prevents old negative items from haunting you forever, typically requiring removal after seven years, with bankruptcies removed after ten.

Right to Know: You have the right to know what's in your file and to get a free copy of your report from each nationwide bureau annually.

Notice & Consent: Ensures you're notified if adverse actions (like denial of credit) are taken based on your report and often requires consent for background checks.

What it Protects Against:

Errors & Inaccuracies: Wrong account balances, payment histories, or misreported debts.

Identity Theft & Fraud: Prevents unauthorized access and misuse of your financial data.

Unfair Practices: Stops outdated negative information from unfairly hindering you.

Data Breaches: Holds agencies accountable for securing your information.

In essence, the FCRA creates a framework for fair information practices, ensuring your credit report is a reliable tool for financial decisions, not a weapon against you.

Plaintiff having filed a notice of voluntary dismissal pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(A)(i) 13 , this case is dismissed with prejudice. All pending hearing dates and motions are stricken. Civil case terminated. Mailed notice (ags) (Entered: 12/19/2025)