Experian Class Action Lawsuit: Latest Updates, Claims & How to File

Multiple Experian class action lawsuits are active as of December 2025, including a major CFPB lawsuit filed January 7, 2025, alleging sham credit report investigations, a June 2025 lawsuit claiming illegal phone number sales to lenders, and a completed $22.45 million settlement for inaccurate address reporting. Affected consumers may qualify for compensation or individual FCRA claims.

CFPB Files Federal Lawsuit Against Experian for Sham Credit Report Investigations

On January 7, 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a federal lawsuit against Experian Information Solutions in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging systemic violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

What the CFPB Lawsuit Alleges

The CFPB accuses Experian of conducting inadequate investigations when consumers dispute credit report errors. Specific allegations include:

• Distorting consumer disputes by failing to convey complete information to data furnishers
• Truncating and mischaracterizing the details consumers submit when disputing inaccuracies
• Uncritically accepting furnisher responses without independent verification, even when responses appear improbable
• Improperly reinserting deleted information back onto credit reports after consumers successfully disputed it
• Failing to attach consumer documentation to dispute verification forms sent to furnishers

The complaint alleges Experian processes over one million consumer disputes but routinely relies entirely on the original data furnisher’s response without conducting meaningful investigation.

Legal Claims in the CFPB Case

The lawsuit asserts violations of:

15 U.S.C. § 1681i (FCRA) – Requirements for reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information

Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 – Prohibitions against unfair acts or practices that:

• Distort consumer disputes during intake procedures
• Demonstrate excessive deference to unreliable furnishers
• Allow improper tradeline reinsertions

What the CFPB Seeks

The Bureau demands:

• Injunctive relief to stop unlawful conduct
• Consumer redress for harmed individuals
• Civil money penalties payable to the CFPB victims relief fund
• Compliance with FCRA requirements going forward

Current Status: Active Litigation

The lawsuit remains in early litigation stages. Experian issued a statement calling the lawsuit “completely without merit” and vowed to “defend it vigorously.”

As of December 24, 2025, no settlement has been reached. The case could take years to resolve through the federal court system.

Davis v. Experian: Trigger Leads Phone Number Lawsuit

A separate nationwide class action filed June 6, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California challenges Experian’s sale of consumer phone numbers through “trigger leads.”

What Trigger Leads Involve

When consumers apply for mortgages or home equity loans, lenders request credit reports from Experian. The lawsuit alleges Experian immediately discloses applicants’ phone numbers and credit information to third-party lenders without consent, triggering floods of unsolicited calls and texts for weeks or months.

Specific Legal Violations Alleged

Plaintiff Darryl Davis claims Experian violates 15 U.S.C. § 1681b(c)(1)-(2) of the FCRA. While the statute permits limited information sharing for firm credit offers, Davis argues it explicitly prohibits sharing consumer telephone numbers as part of trigger leads.

The lawsuit alleges:

• Willful noncompliance with FCRA privacy protections
• Negligent noncompliance with credit reporting requirements
• Treating protected personal information as a commodity for profit

Who Qualifies for the Davis Class

The proposed class includes all U.S. consumers whose phone numbers Experian disclosed to third-party lenders in connection with firm credit offers from June 6, 2023, to the present.

Experian’s Trigger Lead Services

The complaint identifies several Experian programs:

• Prospect Triggers
• Prescreen services
• Mortgage and Refinance Leads
• Mortgage Broker Leads

These services encourage lenders to make unsolicited offers “by mail, phone or email to increase response rate, reduce overall acquisition costs, boost profitability.”

Damages Sought

Davis demands:

• Statutory damages of at least $100 per violation under 15 U.S.C. § 1681o
• Actual damages for all class members
• Punitive damages
• Declaratory relief
• Jury trial

Current Status: Early Discovery

As of December 2025, the Davis lawsuit remains in preliminary stages. No settlement has been announced, and class certification has not yet been granted.

Hill-Green v. Experian: $22.45 Million Fraud Shield Settlement (COMPLETED)

This settlement, finalized in March 2023, compensated consumers affected by inaccurate Fraud Shield Indicators reporting their addresses as high-risk or non-residential.

Settlement Class Members

Policy Change Class: Consumers whose credit reports contained inaccurate Fraud Shield Indicators (codes 10, 11, 16, or 17) on reports sent to third parties from September 27, 2017, onward.

Money Class: Consumers who contacted Experian between July 1, 2018, and July 31, 2021, to dispute or inquire about non-residential or high-risk address indicators.

Settlement Benefits Provided

• Cash payments averaging $178 per eligible Money Class member
• Policy changes requiring Experian to reconfigure its address update process
• Discontinuation of certain problematic Fraud Shield indicators

Claim Deadline: CLOSED

The claim submission deadline was January 30, 2023. Payments have been distributed to approved claimants as of May 2023.

What This Case Established

Plaintiff Lisa Hill-Green’s mortgage modification was derailed when Experian incorrectly reported her residential address as a business building. The case demonstrated how credit reporting errors directly harm consumers’ ability to obtain credit, housing, and financial services.

Fair Credit Reporting Act: Your Legal Rights

Multiple Experian lawsuits center on violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), the primary federal law governing consumer credit reporting.

Key FCRA Protections

Accuracy Requirements (15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b)): Credit reporting agencies must follow reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy.

Dispute Rights (15 U.S.C. § 1681i): Consumers can dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Agencies must:

• Conduct reasonable reinvestigation within 30 days
• Forward all relevant information to data furnishers
• Delete or correct unverifiable information
• Notify consumers of investigation results

Permissible Purpose Limitations (15 U.S.C. § 1681b): Credit reports can only be furnished for specific permissible purposes with consumer authorization or legal basis.

Reinsertion Protections (15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(5)): Deleted information cannot be reinserted without proper verification and consumer notification.

FCRA Violation Penalties

Negligent noncompliance: Actual damages proven by the consumer

Willful noncompliance:

• Statutory damages: $100 to $1,000 per violation
• Actual damages
• Punitive damages
• Attorney fees and costs

How to Take Legal Action for Experian Credit Report Errors

Consumers have multiple options when Experian fails to correct credit report inaccuracies.

Step 1: Document Everything

Before taking legal action:

• Request free credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com
• Identify specific inaccuracies
• Gather supporting documentation (payment records, account statements, correspondence)
• Submit formal disputes in writing via certified mail

Step 2: File Disputes with Experian

Send disputes to: Experian P.O. Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013

Include:

• Your complete identifying information
• Specific items you’re disputing
• Explanation of why information is inaccurate
• Supporting documentation
• Request for deletion or correction

Step 3: Track Experian’s Response

Experian must complete its investigation within 30 days (45 days if you provide additional information during investigation). Document:

• Whether Experian conducted reasonable investigation
• How your dispute was conveyed to furnishers
• Results provided
• Any reinsertion of previously deleted information

Step 4: Consider Individual FCRA Lawsuit

If Experian fails to properly investigate or continues reporting inaccurate information, you may file an individual lawsuit. Benefits of individual claims versus class actions:

Individual FCRA lawsuits typically provide:

• $100-$1,000 statutory damages per violation
• Full actual damages (denied credit, employment, housing)
• Potential punitive damages for willful violations
• Attorney fees paid by defendant if you prevail

Class action settlements typically provide:

• Smaller per-person payments (often under $200)
• Policy changes benefiting all class members
• No individual effort required to participate

Consumer attorneys handling FCRA cases often work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.

Step 5: File Complaints with Regulators

Report Experian violations to:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

• Website: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
• Phone: (855) 411-CFPB (2372)

Federal Trade Commission

• Website: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP

What Legal Experts Say About Experian Credit Reporting Practices

Consumer advocacy groups and legal experts have criticized credit bureau dispute systems for decades.

“For decades, Experian and others have conducted terrible and perfunctory so-called investigations when consumers tried to fix errors on their credit reports – ‘sham’ is exactly right,” said Chi Chi Wu, senior attorney at National Consumer Law Center, following the January 2025 CFPB lawsuit.

“The credit reporting dispute system is as biased as it is broken. Experian and other credit bureaus not only engage in sham investigations, they always defer to the creditor or debt collector that supplied the erroneous information, a practice we call ‘parroting,'” added Ariel Nelson, senior attorney at NCLC.

Common Issues in Credit Reporting Disputes

Legal experts identify recurring problems:

Automated processing: Credit bureaus use automated systems translating consumer disputes into standardized codes, losing critical details consumers provide.

Parroting: Bureaus uncritically accept furnisher responses without independent verification, essentially allowing the accused party to investigate itself.

Incomplete forwarding: Bureaus fail to send consumer-submitted documentation to furnishers, limiting investigation effectiveness.

Improper reinsertions: Previously deleted inaccurate information reappears on credit reports without proper verification or consumer notification.

Related Experian Litigation and Regulatory Actions

Experian faces additional lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny beyond the major cases discussed above.

January 2024: False Advertising Class Action

A January 24, 2024, lawsuit alleged Experian falsely advertised “free” credit report services while hiding unfavorable terms from consumers.

2024 Cases Dismissed: Standing Issues

In Muha v. Experian (California Court of Appeal, 2024), plaintiffs alleged Experian omitted required statements in the “Summary of Rights” portion of consumer reports, violating 15 U.S.C. § 1681g(c)(2)(D).

The California appellate court affirmed dismissal, holding plaintiffs lacked standing because they failed to demonstrate concrete harm beyond the technical violation. This decision, following Limon v. Circle K Stores, established that informational injuries without adverse effects are insufficient for standing in California state courts.

January 2025: Equifax and Honda Actions

The same month CFPB sued Experian, it also:

• Ordered Equifax to pay $15 million for failing to properly investigate consumer disputes
• Ordered Honda Financial Services to pay $12.8 million for inaccurate credit reporting harming 300,000 drivers

These concurrent actions demonstrate increased CFPB enforcement against credit reporting agencies and furnishers.

Pending Legislation: Trigger Leads Reform

Congress is considering legislation to address trigger lead practices that form the basis of the Davis lawsuit.

As of September 2025, H.R. [bill number] passed both the House and Senate, awaiting presidential signature. The proposed law would outlaw trigger leads in the mortgage industry, prohibiting credit bureaus from selling consumer information based on mortgage or home equity loan applications.

Proponents call trigger leads “predatory,” arguing they subject prospective homebuyers to harassment during vulnerable financial transactions. The legislation would not affect the pending Davis lawsuit seeking damages for past conduct.

How Credit Reporting Errors Harm Consumers

Inaccurate credit reports create serious financial consequences:

Denied Credit Applications

Lenders rely on credit reports to evaluate applications. Errors showing late payments, collections, or incorrect balances lead to:

• Mortgage denials or higher interest rates
• Auto loan rejections
• Credit card application denials
• Lower credit limits

Employment Barriers

Many employers check credit reports during hiring. Inaccurate negative information can result in:

• Failed background checks
• Rescinded job offers
• Denied promotions to financial positions

Housing Difficulties

Landlords frequently review credit reports. Errors cause:

• Rental application denials
• Higher security deposits required
• Limited housing options

Higher Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores. Inaccurate information leads to inflated premiums for:

• Auto insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Life insurance

Emotional Distress

Beyond financial harm, credit report errors cause significant stress, frustration, and anxiety as consumers struggle to correct inaccuracies affecting major life decisions.

Experian’s Defense and Response

Experian has vigorously disputed allegations in pending lawsuits.

Statement on CFPB Lawsuit

“This lawsuit relates to matters that as an industry we have been collectively discussing with the CFPB. We have operated in good faith with the CFPB throughout. Despite our constructive engagement and long track record of working alongside the CFPB to ensure consumers can easily dispute potentially inaccurate information, the CFPB chose to file a lawsuit with no communication, and no response to our outstanding communications with them.

The lawsuit is completely without merit. It is contrary to longstanding regulatory and judicial precedent and is another example of irresponsible overreach by the CFPB. Our legal position is strong, we will defend it vigorously and are confident we will prevail.”

Experian’s Claims About Dispute Investigations

Experian maintains it “take[s] great steps to ensure we investigate every consumer dispute thoroughly and go above and beyond the requirements of the law.” The company argues it takes its regulatory obligations seriously and processes disputes in compliance with FCRA requirements.

Timeline of Key Experian Litigation Events

September 2019: Lisa Hill-Green files lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia challenging Fraud Shield indicators

November 2021: Court grants preliminary approval of injunctive relief settlement

September 2022: Court grants preliminary approval of $22.45 million settlement

January 30, 2023: Claim submission deadline for Hill-Green settlement

March 2, 2023: Court grants final approval of Hill-Green settlement

May 2023: Settlement payments distributed, averaging $178 per Money Class member

January 7, 2025: CFPB files federal lawsuit alleging sham credit report investigations

January 17, 2025: CFPB orders Equifax to pay $15 million for similar dispute investigation failures

June 6, 2025: Darryl Davis files nationwide class action over trigger leads phone number sales

December 24, 2025: CFPB and Davis lawsuits remain in active litigation; no settlements announced

Frequently Asked Questions About Experian Class Action Lawsuits

What is the Experian class action lawsuit about?

Multiple Experian class actions address different issues. The January 2025 CFPB lawsuit alleges Experian conducts sham investigations of consumer credit report disputes. The June 2025 Davis lawsuit claims Experian illegally sells consumer phone numbers to lenders through trigger leads. A completed 2023 settlement resolved claims about inaccurate address reporting.

How do I know if I’m affected by the Experian lawsuit?

CFPB case: You may be affected if you disputed credit report errors with Experian and the company failed to properly investigate, deleted information that later reappeared, or didn’t forward your documentation to furnishers.

Davis case: You’re potentially in the class if Experian disclosed your phone number to third-party lenders after you applied for a mortgage or home equity loan from June 6, 2023, to present, resulting in unsolicited calls.

Hill-Green settlement: This case is closed. Eligible claims were due January 30, 2023.

Can I still file a claim for the Experian settlement?

The Hill-Green settlement claim deadline passed on January 30, 2023. That settlement has been finalized and paid.

For the CFPB and Davis lawsuits, no settlements exist yet. These cases remain in litigation. If settlements are eventually reached, claim periods will be announced through court-approved notice procedures.

How much compensation can I receive from the Experian lawsuit?

Completed Hill-Green settlement: Approved claimants received approximately $178.

Pending CFPB case: If the CFPB prevails, remedies could include consumer redress payments, though amounts are unknown. The case seeks to establish an ongoing fund for harmed consumers.

Pending Davis case: Plaintiff seeks at least $100 statutory damages per violation plus actual and punitive damages. Potential recovery depends on case outcome and number of class members.

Should I join a class action or file my own lawsuit against Experian?

This depends on your situation:

Consider individual lawsuit if:

• You have significant documented damages (denied mortgage, lost job opportunity)
• You can prove Experian’s violation directly harmed you
• You have clear evidence of willful FCRA violations

Individual FCRA lawsuits can provide $100-$1,000 statutory damages per violation, full actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

Class action participation makes sense if:

• Your individual damages are modest
• You lack time/resources for individual litigation
• You want to contribute to systemic policy changes
• You prefer passive participation with potential modest recovery

Many consumer attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate which option suits your circumstances.

What is the deadline to file an Experian FCRA lawsuit?

FCRA claims have varying statutes of limitations:

Willful violations: 2 years from discovery of violation (but no more than 5 years from violation occurrence)

Negligent violations: 2 years from discovery of violation

State law claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence may have different deadlines. Consult an attorney promptly if you believe you have claims.

How long do FCRA lawsuits against Experian take?

Individual FCRA cases typically resolve within 6-18 months through settlement or trial.

Class action lawsuits take significantly longer:

• 2-5 years for settlement negotiations
• 3-7+ years if the case proceeds to trial and appeals

The Hill-Green case took approximately 3.5 years from filing (September 2019) to final settlement approval (March 2023).

What evidence do I need to sue Experian?

Gather:

• Copies of all three credit reports showing inaccuracies
• Documentation proving correct information (payment records, account statements, discharge papers)
• Your dispute letters to Experian (certified mail receipts)
• Experian’s investigation results
• Evidence of harm (denial letters, emails showing lost opportunities)
• Timeline documenting when you discovered errors and disputed them

Can Experian sue me for filing a dispute or lawsuit?

No. The FCRA protects your right to dispute inaccurate information and file lawsuits for violations. Experian cannot retaliate by:

• Adding false information to your credit report
• Refusing to investigate legitimate disputes
• Taking legal action against you for exercising FCRA rights

Such retaliation would constitute additional FCRA violations.

Who are the attorneys representing plaintiffs in Experian class actions?

Hill-Green settlement (completed):

• Kelly Guzzo PLC (Kristi C. Kelly, Andrew J. Guzzo, Casey S. Nash, J. Patrick McNichol)
• Consumer Litigation Associates PC (Leonard A. Bennett, Craig C. Marchiando)
• Berger Montague (E. Michelle Drake, Joseph C. Hashmall)

Davis trigger leads case:

• Toomajian Law Firm (Charles R. Toomajian III)
• Anna E. Jenks

For individual FCRA representation, search for consumer protection attorneys or credit report lawyers practicing in your state.

What happens if Experian settles the CFPB lawsuit?

If a settlement is reached:

1. Court must grant preliminary approval
2. Class members receive notice via mail, email, or publication
3. Settlement website provides claim instructions
4. Class members have time to submit claims (typically 60-120 days)
5. Court holds fairness hearing to review settlement terms
6. Upon final approval, claims administrator processes payments

Monitor the CFPB website (consumerfinance.gov) and court dockets for updates.

Does the Experian lawsuit affect my credit score?

Filing disputes or participating in class actions does not directly affect your credit score. However:

Positive impacts: If Experian corrects inaccurate negative information on your credit report following a dispute or lawsuit, your credit score may improve.

No negative impacts: Disputing information, filing complaints with CFPB, or participating in litigation cannot lower your credit score.

How can I check if Experian sold my phone number to lenders?

Signs your information was included in trigger leads:

• Unsolicited calls from lenders immediately after applying for a mortgage
• Multiple lenders referencing your recent credit application
• Lenders knowing specific details about your loan amount or property

To opt out of future trigger lead sales, call 888-567-8688 or visit OptOutPrescreen.com to remove your name from credit bureau prescreened offer lists for five years or permanently.

What should I do if I’m receiving spam calls after applying for a loan?

1. Document everything: Record dates, times, caller names, and what they say
2. Register with Do Not Call Registry: Visit DoNotCall.gov
3. Demand removal: Tell callers to place you on their internal do-not-call list
4. Report violations: File complaints with FTC and CFPB
5. Consult attorney: You may have claims under FCRA, Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), or state laws

Will Experian fix my credit report if I join a class action?

Not necessarily. Class actions typically focus on policy changes and monetary damages rather than individual account corrections.

To correct specific errors on your credit report:

1. File disputes directly with Experian, furnishers, and other credit bureaus
2. If disputes fail, file individual FCRA lawsuit
3. Send debt validation letters to collection agencies
4. Consider credit repair attorney assistance for complex situations

Are there other lawsuits against credit bureaus I should know about?

Yes. Recent actions include:

January 2025: CFPB ordered Equifax to revise policies and pay $15 million penalty for failed dispute investigations

January 2025: CFPB ordered Honda Financial Services to pay $12.8 million for inaccurate credit reporting affecting 300,000 consumers

December 2022: TransUnion faced class action following data breach affecting millions

Multiple ongoing cases: Various class actions allege Equifax, TransUnion, and specialized credit reporting agencies violated FCRA requirements

Check ClassAction.org, TopClassActions.com, and CFPB enforcement action pages for updates.

Key Takeaways: Protecting Your Rights in Experian Disputes

Understanding your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act empowers you to take action when Experian fails to maintain accurate credit reports or properly investigate disputes.

Monitor Your Credit Reports Regularly

Check reports from all three bureaus at least annually through AnnualCreditReport.com. Early detection of errors prevents prolonged damage to your creditworthiness.

Document All Disputes in Writing

Always submit disputes via certified mail with return receipt. Keep copies of everything you send and receive. Documentation is critical if you need to pursue legal action.

Don’t Accept Inadequate Investigations

If Experian’s investigation appears perfunctory or simply parrots the furnisher’s response without addressing your evidence, you have grounds to challenge their compliance with FCRA requirements.

Understand Your Legal Options

Class actions benefit all affected consumers but provide modest individual recovery. Individual FCRA lawsuits offer potentially higher damages when you can prove significant harm from Experian’s violations.

Seek Professional Legal Advice

Consumer protection attorneys specializing in FCRA cases offer free consultations and typically work on contingency. Professional guidance ensures you pursue the most effective remedies for your situation.

Stay Informed About Settlements

If Experian reaches settlements in pending class actions, you may be eligible for compensation. Monitor legal news sources, settlement websites, and your mail for class action notices.

Additional Resources

Government Agencies:

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov
• Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/credit
• Annual Credit Report: annualcreditreport.com

Legal Information:

• National Consumer Law Center: nclc.org
• Fair Credit Reporting Act: 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.
• Consumer Attorneys: consumerattorneys.com

Class Action Updates:

• ClassAction.org
• TopClassActions.com

Opt-Out Services:

• Opt Out of Prescreened Offers: optoutprescreen.com
• National Do Not Call Registry: donotcall.gov

This article provides general legal information about Experian class action lawsuits and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation. Information is current as of December 24, 2025.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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