Experian was sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which accused the Costa Mesa-based credit bureau of failing to properly probe consumer disputes.

A top watchdog agency for consumer finance has accused the credit rating company Experian of failing to properly investigate consumer disputes. In an announcement Tuesday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) said it had sued the company for unlawfully failing to investigate consumers’ issues.

Experian maintains crucial files on most American families but allegedly mishandles their complaints—damaging household finances in the process.