How to Fix Errors on your Credit Report

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Your credit report is your key to financial success and it’s a good time to take a look at what is on there and fix any mistakes. If you recently accessed your credit report and see issues that you don’t understand, it may mean that there are mistakes. The Federal Trade Commission reported a study that resulted in at least one error on the credit report of 26% of the participants.

These small mistakes are costly and it is up to you to get rid of those errors and wipe your FICO score clean. There are several ways to clean up your credit score and we’ve listed a few ways for you.

Circle the errors on a copy of your credit report

The first thing you need to do is find where/what the errors are. Examples of credit report mistakes are-

  • You may have reported items by someone that shares your name. If you do not recognize the item on your report, circle it and report it.
  • If you had your credit checked but was not reported and you are accruing credit, that item needs to be added. Be aware of items not on your credit report as well as items that do not belong to you.
  • Clerical mistakes or typos can mislead information. Be sure your name, social security number is yours and is spelled correctly
  • Sometimes you might have paid for something and it went to the wrong account.
  • If you closed an account, your credit report needs to state that you closed the account and not the agency associated with the account.
  • Be aware of old or “bad”  accounts that should be deleted from your account after seven years.
  • Look closely for accounts that appear mysterious. This could be an act of hackers or credit thieves

Report Your Findings to 

  1. The credit bureau where you obtained your credit report. The three bureaus are listed below. First, tell the credit bureau what the errors are. All three credit bureaus have to investigate and comply in 30 days. You can send copies of any documents that help prove your inquiry. 
  2. The business or creditor that made the error– You are going to send them exactly the same information (copies) that you sent to the credit bureaus.

Three items to communicate to both parties

  1. Identify the error.
  2. Write only the facts of why you dispute the error.
  3. Request deletion or correction

Make copies of everything. If you do send your information through the mail, be sure to send it in certified mail. Keep the receipt and request a returned receipt as well.

Equifax

Equifax Disputes

All disputes with Equifax are handled online.

Experian

Experian Disputes

All disputes with Experian are handled online.

TransUnion

1-800-916-8800
TransUnion Disputes
2 Baldwin Place, P.O. BOX 1000
Chester, PA 19022

TransUnion Disputes

 It is easy and accessible to dispute these errors online. Correct your Credit Report Errors

Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion have to help you as well as the creditors on your credit report. Even these big companies can make mistakes on the information provided about the initial errors and mishaps, causing even more confusion. If you are having trouble with disputing the mistakes or not getting the assistance that you have the right to maintain, then it would be best to call an attorney.

If you need help with these concerns and feel the need for a more extensive look, feel free to call your Oklahoma Bankruptcy Attorney Marty Martin at (405) 255-2380.