Fix inaccurate Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian credit reports

Many consumers are frustrated when they try to correct inaccurate items on their credit reports because it is complicated and time consuming. The best process to fix inaccurate credit reports is to mail credit dispute letters to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (not on-line) to dispute and fix inaccurate credit information.  When making a credit dispute, the consumer should identify the information that is inaccurate and state why the information is inaccurate.  If you have documents that support your dispute, be certain to attach and conclude them in your dispute letter. Mailing written dispute letters allows for more description and documentation regarding the inaccuracy.  Always keep a copy of what you mailed to dispute the inaccurate credit information for your records as well as any responses back from the credit reporting agencies.  It is preferable to send a copy by certified mail, so there is a record that Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian have received a copy of the credit dispute information.   Blankingship & Christiano assists consumers who still have objectively inaccurate information on their credit report after disputing the information with the credit reporting agency reporting the inaccurate information.

Types of inaccurate Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian credit reports.

The CFPB has provided information about the most common credit report errors that consumers should look for in their credit reports. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-common-credit-report-errors-that-i-should-look-for-on-my-credit-report-en-313/  The CFPB list identifies the major categories of inaccurate credit reporting as: identity errors, incorrect credit reporting of account status, credit report data management errors, and inaccurate balances.

As for identity errors, these types of credit reporting mistakes include name, phone number, and address information as well as credit accounts that were not opened by the consumer. Identity errors on a credit report could be warning signs of identity theft as identity thieves often use different addresses and name variations as a way to use someone else’s credit in an effort to open accounts via identity theft.  Consumers should be very careful about reviewing inaccurate addresses and incorrect accounts that they do not recognize in an effort to stop the theft of their identity.

Incorrect account status errors occur in many different manners including inaccurate credit information reported about an account after bankruptcy discharge, incorrect payment history, and incorrect reporting of the account is opened when it has been closed. All of these types of inaccurate account status errors can have a dramatic effect on a consumer’s credit score.

Data management errors occur when inaccurate information appears on a credit file that contradicts or repeats other inaccurate credit information.  For example, an account or account status may have been corrected previously, but the credit reporting agency allows the inaccurate credit information to reappear when a furnisher updates their file information.  Other data management errors include multiple reporting of the same debt by different furnishers in a manner that makes the credit file look like the same debt is included twice.  Credit reporting agencies have very specific rules that that they have to follow when managing credit data.  Many times, there are conflicts and inconsistencies with how they report data that results in an inaccurate and misleading credit file.

If you have been the victim of inaccurate credit reporting by Equifax, Experian or TransUnion please contact Blankingship & Christiano to see if we can assist you and your credit reporting nightmare.  The best piece of advice we can provide is do not ignore such errors on your credit file as they will not magically go away over time.

If you have an error on your credit report and need legal help getting it corrected contact the Virginia Credit report error lawyers at Blankingship & Christiano, P.C. (571) 207-8331 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case.