How to Fix Errors on a Credit Report

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes around the globe. Millions suffer the indignity of ID theft each year and as a result must fix the inevitable consequences on their credit report. But it's not always ID theft that causes errors on a credit report. Sometimes it's just one simple error that needs to be corrected. The credit bureaus that manage your credit report aren't as interested in your troubles as you might think. It's best to be armed with a little info before taking them on to correct an error.

Instructions

1

Get copies of your credit report from all three credit bureaus. The three credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. They do not share information, so you need to see a report from all three companies to know if there is an error on one that is not reported on another. Also, correcting an error on one company's report will not correct it on the other two. If the same error appears on all three reports you need to contact each company separately to correct it. See the Resources section below for links to these three companies, as well as where to get a free copy of your credit report.

2

Report errors with the credit bureaus by contacting them directly, in writing by certified mail, email and phone calls. Provide the documentation to correct the error. If no documentation is at hand you can still put a note on your report. This won't correct the error but it will document that you challenged the error and would be viewable by potential lenders.

3

If you suspect identity theft, put a freeze on your credit report. Putting a freeze on your credit means you won't be able to use credit yourself, but it also means no one else will be able to use credit under your name. To freeze your credit contact the bureaus directly.

4

If the credit bureaus don't respond to your error-correction request within 30 days, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is in place to protect consumers. It won't be your advocate but it will help you and provide info for credit-related problems. The website is listed in the Resources section below.