4 entries
Federal law applies everywhere too. State laws add to it. See federal laws
In New York, a consumer reporting agency may not report information relating to a medical debt, no matter when the debt was incurred.
What you can do
Pull your free reports and dispute any medical debt that your state says should not be reported.
Official sources
Source checked Sep 29, 2026
New York law lets you place a security freeze on your credit file, which stops a credit bureau from releasing your report to most new creditors until you lift it. Since September 21, 2018, federal law also makes placing and lifting a freeze free at each nationwide credit bureau.
What you can do
Place a free freeze online or by phone at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and keep any PIN or login you create.
Source checked Sep 29, 2026
New York lets you challenge a consumer debt that someone forced you into through coercion, intimidation, threats or force in settings such as intimate relationships, family, human trafficking, and child or elder abuse. After you give a creditor adequate documentation, such as a police report or court order, it must stop collecting within 10 business days and finish a review within 30 business days. The law applies to debts incurred on or after June 17, 2026.
What you can do
Gather a police report, court order or similar record and send it to the creditor with a written notice.
Source checked Sep 29, 2026
New York regulates businesses that charge to improve a consumer's credit record, history or rating. The federal Credit Repair Organizations Act also applies: these companies may not charge before the promised services are fully performed, and you can cancel a contract within 3 business days.
What you can do
Dispute errors yourself for free with the credit bureau and the company that reported the item.
Official sources
Source checked Sep 29, 2026
This is general education, not legal advice. Laws change; check the official source linked on each entry.
