How to Report Credit Corrections to Employers

Prospective and current employers have the right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to order credit reports on potential or current employees, with their consent. If the information on a credit report proves to be inaccurate but is reported to an employer with adverse consequences, that individual can request a corrected credit report be sent to the employer after successfully disputing the error.

Instructions

1

Order copies of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) after receiving notice from an employer that adverse action has been taken against you because of information on your credit report. This includes being fired, demoted or not being hired. Employers are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act to inform you in these circumstances.

2

Review your credit report for errors. If you find a mistake, file a dispute with the credit bureau. If you're viewing your report online, there's a form under each entry. Otherwise, you can send a letter or contact the bureau by telephone. You may be required to produce some documentation supporting your dispute. The credit bureaus are required to respond to all error disputes within 30 days. In most cases, it will be resolved quickly.

3

Request that your updated credit report be sent to any employers that took adverse actions against you. While the bureaus are obligated to send these updated reports, the companies are not required to alter their decision based on the new information. If you suffered significantly from a credit report error, you may be entitled to damages under the reporting act for each violation by creditors. Contact a debt lawyer if you're interested in collecting on damages because of employment difficulties caused by false entries on your credit report.