Tod Lewis Law, PLLC

02/16/2025

David Murray’s credit score after moving out of his apartment two months early, down from a near-perfect 815 beforehand. Murray's score fell because his landlord hired a debt collector that went after his credit instead of taking him to court. Some landlords say the hardball tactic is more efficient than drawn-out legal battles.

Landlords say targeting credit scores, with the help of debt collectors, has proven more efficient than endless phone calls or drawn-out legal battles. Rental debt is now one of the most common topics of complaints related to debt collection, according to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data.

In targeting credit scores, landlords recognized their centrality to American life. The three-digit numbers are important not just for helping lenders decide whether to extend loans, but also for helping landlords decide whether to rent apartments. The credit-scoring industry has made a recent push to include on-time rental payments in credit scores, saying it will lift some scores. But credit reports are quick to reflect negative marks, too.

Disputes over rent are playing out through negative marks on credit reports, rather than in courts.

07/20/2024

Here is a link to a “Twintopia” podcast I was on concerning twins who’ve had their credit mixed together by the credit bureaus. I really enjoyed it.

If you know any twins please them so they can learn about this valuable information.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eZFOCwKKeVYBlORf676ug

Twintopia · Episode

04/11/2024

Twins 👯‍♀️ Did you know you're more likely to have a credit mix-up keep you from getting a loan or dragging down your credit?
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Go to the official website www.annualcreditreport.com to get your up to date credit report … give yourself a credit physical (once a week even!).

As a lawyer who specializes in helping twins fix credit mix ups through the Fair Credit Reporting Act, here are the most common credit mix-ups I see come across my desk:
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👉 You want to buy a home, but the credit bureaus think that your twin’s existing mortgage is yours -- so now you don’t qualify ❌🏡
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👉 This exact same scenario ALSO happens frequently when you go to buy a car or any other kind of personal loan 🚗
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​If you are a twin or you know one, here’s what’s important ⬇️
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The credit bureaus are legally responsible to fix these mixups under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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The problem is, it can be difficult and time consuming to try and convince the credit bureau that they got it wrong. ANNND even if you could get it fixed yourself, the credit bureau is still responsible for the past damage their mix-up caused.
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Meaning, there’s a good chance you’re entitled to compensation. 😲
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To hold them responsible, you need the help of a lawyer like me.
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I only get paid when my clients get paid.
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Reach out to me directly to chat. 📲
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AND - tag a twin in the comments, who needs this information! 👯‍♀️

www.twinsmixedcredit.com

03/07/2024

Here is my new website. If you know any adult twins/multiples please forward this website to them. They need to give themselves a “credit physical” to make sure they are not getting mixed together for credit purposes which causes financial chaos.

Expert legal services for twins/multiples with mixed credit reports. No upfront fees, contingency-based help from TOD Lewis Law, ensuring fair credit reporting.

01/31/2024

https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/01/identity-theft-happens-every-community-so-get-help-your-language

Identity Theft Awareness Week is a great time to learn how to spot, avoid, and report identity theft. Chances are, you know someone who has experienced identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission to commit fraud. It can happen to anyone, ...

01/22/2024

Debt collectors accused of targeting neighborhoods…

In a first-of-its-kind analysis, ProPublica reveals that the suits are far more common in black communities than white ones.

12/20/2023

Wishing you a holiday season as merry and bright as Clark Griswold's lights! 🎄🌟

We're truly grateful for your trust and support this holiday season. Our office will be closed on December 25th and January 1st, but we'll be back right after to help with anything you may need.

From all of us, Happy Holidays! 🎁

12/19/2023

“Trigger leads are created and sold super fast — often within 24 hours of your loan application. Out of the blue, your phone might ring and you’re the target of a new pitch from a competitor offering a deal that may be real, deceptive or no better than the one you’ve been quoted.”

Trigger lists might be banned.

In 2023, relief from misguided “trigger lists” sold by credit bureaus may soon occur as Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) propose a ban, S 3502. We and the National Consumer Law Center strongly support.

12/07/2023

Hey folks, just a quick reminder to keep your personal information safe! Identity theft is no joke and can happen to anyone. Make sure to shred important documents, use strong passwords, and be cautious of suspicious emails or phone calls. Stay safe out there!

11/09/2023

This happened awhile ago but I’ve had plenty of clients who have received letters and phone calls for debts belonging to another or debts no longer owed for various reasons. This was an extreme situation indeed but the jury sent a message to these debt buyers. If the debt ain’t yours whatever you do … don’t pay it … find a good consumer attorney on a contingent fee basis, and fight the good fight!

A Jackson County jury has ordered a debt collection agency to cough up nearly $83 million to a woman it mistakenly pursued to collect a credit card debt…