How to Fix Showing Up Deceased on Your Credit Report

Inaccuracies are far too common on credit reports, according to various studies cited by the Motley Fool. While most inaccuracies relate to late payments and accounts that don't actually belong to you, sometimes the credit reporting agencies mistakenly list your status as deceased. This makes it almost impossible for you to get loans. Fix this mistake by contacting the credit reporting agencies.

Instructions

1

Order free copies of your credit reports through annualcreditreport.com. Obtain a report from all three major credit agencies because they don't always contain the same information. The three agencies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It's possible that only one or two of the three list you as a deceased person.

2

Write a letter to each credit agency that lists your status as deceased to explain that you would like the information about your death removed. Include a copy of your report and circle your deceased status. Also enclose copies of your personal documents, such as your birth certificate and your drivers license.

3

Send the letter and the documents by certified mail and request a receipt confirmation. Keep a copy of the letter and the documents for your record. The credit reporting agency will investigate the matter within 30 days and forward the corrected information to the business that reported your death. The information provider will then investigate the matter and contact you.

4

Send a letter and any requested documents to the source of the information to get the company to change the false detail. If your dispute is successful, the credit bureau will provide you with the written investigation results and a free copy of your report.

5

Contact a local media company about your problem if any one credit agency does not change your deceased status. The credit agency will likely respond quickly to avoid bad publicity.