Disputed an Account and Still Got Denied? Here’s What the FCRA Actually Requires

If you recently disputed an error on your credit report, only to get a response that says “account information disputed by the consumer meets FCRA requirements”, you’re probably frustrated. You took the time to submit documentation. You flagged an error. But the credit bureau or lender is now telling you that everything checks out?

What does that even mean? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

At Ware Law Firm, we help consumers across Mississippi take the next step when credit report disputes get ignored, mishandled, or wrongfully “verified.” In this post, we’ll break down what that phrase actually means, what the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires, and when you may have the right to take legal action.

What Does “Account Information Disputed by the Consumer, Meets FCRA Requirements” Mean?

This is a standard response used by credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) or data furnishers (like banks or debt collectors) after they receive and review your dispute. In plain English, it means:

“We reviewed your dispute and stand by the accuracy of the account information.”

But this phrase doesn’t actually mean the account is accurate. It means the furnisher claims it is, and the bureau decided not to remove or change anything.

In many cases, this message appears after:

• You dispute a late payment, charge-off, or collections account
• You submit documents showing you didn’t authorize the account
• You’ve already disputed the account once before
• The furnisher responds quickly with generic confirmation—not actual investigation

The FCRA’s Requirements for Disputed Accounts

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable item on your credit report. Once you do, the law requires the credit reporting agencies and furnishers (like the original creditor) to do the following:

1. Conduct a Reasonable Investigation

They must actually investigate your dispute—not just rubber-stamp the original report. That includes reviewing any documents or explanations you submit.

2. Forward the Dispute to the Furnisher

The credit bureau must forward your dispute to the company that reported the account (e.g., a bank, lender, or collection agency).

3. Fix or Delete Any Inaccurate Information

If the account is found to be inaccurate or can’t be verified, the FCRA says it must be corrected or deleted within 30 days.

4. Give You the Results in Writing

You must receive a response from the bureau explaining what they did, and that’s often where you’ll see the phrase “account information disputed by the consumer, meets FCRA requirements.”

Why Does This Happen So Often?

The FCRA gives you rights, but it doesn’t guarantee that creditors or credit bureaus will do the right thing. Many disputes are handled through automated systems, like e-OSCAR, that rely on codes and templates instead of human review.

Here’s what typically goes wrong:

• Your documents aren’t actually read
• The furnisher claims the info is accurate without real proof
• The bureau accepts the furnisher’s word at face value
• No one contacts you to ask for more info
• The dispute is closed with a generic “meets FCRA requirements” remark

Can You Dispute the Same Account Again?

Yes, but it depends on how you do it.

If you simply resubmit the same dispute without new information, the credit bureaus may label it as “frivolous or irrelevant” and refuse to investigate again.

To avoid that, your follow-up dispute should include:

• New documentation (bank records, letters, police reports, etc.)
• A clear explanation of why the previous response was inadequate
• A timeline of your attempts to resolve the issue
• Any evidence that the furnisher failed to conduct a real investigation

Still no luck? That’s when it’s time to talk to a consumer protection attorney.

When Does a Furnisher or Credit Bureau Violate the FCRA?

If the furnisher:

• Fails to conduct a reasonable investigation
• Ignores the dispute altogether
• Continues to report inaccurate information after you’ve provided proof
• Doesn’t update or delete unverifiable items

…then they may be violating FCRA Section 1681s-2(b).

Likewise, if the credit bureau:

• Accepts false or incomplete responses from the furnisher
• Ignores key documents you submitted
• Refuses to remove information that is clearly incorrect or outdated

…they may also be liable.

These violations can cause real damage, including:

• Lower credit scores
• Denied loans, housing, or job opportunities
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Higher interest rates or insurance premiums

You may be entitled to statutory damages, actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

What You Can Do If You’re Stuck With a Wrongfully Verified Account

1. Keep All Records

Save:

• All credit reports
• Dispute letters
• Confirmation numbers
• Responses from the credit bureaus or furnishers
• Any communications from debt collectors or lenders

2. Monitor Your Credit Regularly

Even if a dispute is closed, continue watching your credit reports for updates or further issues.

You can get free weekly credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com through at least 2026.

3. Contact a Consumer Protection Attorney

If you’ve done everything right and the credit reporting agencies still won’t fix the error, or if the furnisher keeps reporting inaccurate information, you may need legal help.

At Ware Law Firm, we take FCRA violations seriously. We’ll evaluate your case, send legal demands if needed, and file suit if the companies involved refuse to comply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does “Meets FCRA Requirements” Mean My Dispute Was Denied?

Essentially, yes. It means the furnisher claims their reporting is accurate, and the bureau has closed the dispute without making changes.

Can I Still Sue Even If They Say the Account “Meets Requirements”?

Absolutely. The FCRA doesn’t give furnishers or credit bureaus the final say. If you’ve provided legitimate documentation and your dispute was mishandled, you may have a claim.

How Much Can I Recover in an FCRA Lawsuit?

• Statutory damages: Up to $1,000 per violation
• Actual damages: Including lost opportunities or emotional harm
• Punitive damages: In willful violation cases
• Attorney fees and costs: Often recoverable in successful cases

Get Help Fixing Your Credit, and Holding the Right People Accountable

You shouldn’t have to live with inaccurate, damaging information on your credit report just because a creditor or bureau doesn’t want to do their job. If your dispute was closed with the vague message “account information disputed by the consumer, meets FCRA requirements,” and the item is still incorrect, you have options.

Call Ware Law Firm today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with a Mississippi FCRA attorney. We’re here to help you fix what’s wrong and fight back if your rights were violated.