How to Report Accounts That Don't Belong to Credit Bureaus

Your name and Social Security number (SSN) may identify you, but your credit rating and supplemental report can verify your identity and prove your credit-worthiness for a loan or mortgage---even employment. Just as you want to ensure no one is using your name and SSN, you want to monitor your credit reports with all three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) and report any inaccuracies. Each credit bureau may have different credit information, so review each carefully and report (or "dispute") the inaccurate item to each credit bureau listing the inaccuracy on its report.

Instructions

TransUnion

1

Identify the accounts listed on your TransUnion credit report in error.

2

Launch the TransUnion "Online Dispute" form (see Resources) in your Web browser and click "First Time? Click Here" or click "Returning? Click Here" if you already have a TransUnion online account.

3

Enter the TransUnion report or file number listed on your current TransUnion credit report and your identity verification information (such as your current address and employer) when prompted. Click 'Next."

4

Enter the company name and account number of the item you are disputing as listed on your credit report, and enter the reason for your dispute--such as it is not your account, or you have paid the debt but it shows a balance. Click "Submit."

5

Save the completed form to your computer or print and save the hard copy for your records. TransUnion will contact the company of the disputed item and ask it to verify the information it reported. If the company is not able to verify the information as listed on your credit report, TransUnion will make the change you requested. TransUnion will notify you via email approximately 30 to 45 days from the date you submitted the dispute with the results of its investigation.

Equifax

6

Identify the accounts listed on your Equifax credit report in error.

7

Launch the Equifax "Online Dispute" form (see Resources) in your web browser and enter the confirmation number listed on your current Equifax credit report.

8

Enter your name, Social Security number, current address and email address, and retype the verification code displayed under "Code Verification." Click "Submit."

9

Enter the company name and account number of the item you are disputing as listed on your credit report, and enter the reason for your dispute--such as it is not your account, or you have paid the debt but it shows a balance. Click "Submit."

10

Save the completed form to your computer or print and save the hard copy for your records. Equifax will contact the company of the disputed item and ask it to verify the information it reported. If the company is not able to verify the information as listed on your credit report, Equifax will make the change you requested. Equifax will notify you via email approximately 30 to 45 days from the date you submitted the dispute with the results of its investigation.

Experian

11

Launch the Experian "Request an Investigation" form (see Resources) in your web browser.

12

Enter the Experian report number listed on your current credit report, select your state from the drop-down list, and enter your Social Security number and current ZIP code.

13

Review and agree to the Experian Terms and Conditions and click "Submit." An electronic copy of your current Experian credit report will display on a new screen.

14

Review your displayed credit report and click the blue "Dispute this item" button next to any item you believe is inaccurate. Select your reason for the dispute from the drop-down list. You may also enter additional information you believe supports the reason for your dispute. Click "Submit" when finished.

15

Save the completed form to your computer or print and save the hard copy for your records. Experian will contact the company of the disputed item(s) and ask it to verify the information it reported. If the company is not able to verify the information as listed on your credit report, Experian will make the change you requested. Experian will notify you via email approximately 30 to 45 days from the date you submitted the dispute with the results of its investigation.