Credit Report Error? Here's Exactly What to Do
1 in 5 Americans has an error on their credit report that could be affecting their score. Here's how to identify it, dispute it properly, and make sure it stays removed.
Step 1: Get your credit reports
Start at AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized free credit report site. You're entitled to free weekly reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), a policy made permanent after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Download all three reports and review them carefully. The same error may appear on one, two, or all three — and you'll need to dispute each bureau separately where it appears.
Types of errors and how to spot them
- ✦Accounts that aren't yours — An account you never opened — often from identity theft or a mixed file (your file confused with someone with a similar name or SSN).
- ✦Wrong account status — A closed account showing as open, or an account transferred to a new creditor still showing the old one.
- ✦Incorrect balance or credit limit — A balance higher than what you actually owe, or a lower credit limit than you have — both hurt your utilization ratio.
- ✦Duplicate accounts — The same debt listed twice — common when debts are sold and both original creditor and buyer report the account.
- ✦Outdated negative items — Most negative information must be removed after 7 years. Bankruptcies after 10. Check the "date of first delinquency."
- ✦Incorrect personal information — Wrong address, misspelled name, wrong SSN or date of birth — these can cause mixed files and must be corrected.
Disputing with the bureau vs. the furnisher
You have two parallel dispute paths under the FCRA, and using both simultaneously is the most effective approach:
Dispute directly with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. They must investigate within 30 days by contacting the company that reported the item. Faster, but relies on the furnisher cooperating.
Dispute directly with the company that reported the item. They must investigate and correct inaccurate information under FCRA § 623. Use this when the bureau dispute fails.
What to include in your dispute letter
So the bureau can match your dispute to your file.
Include the creditor name, account number, and what the report currently shows.
Tell them exactly what you want changed or deleted — don't just say "this is wrong."
Brief explanation: not my account, already paid, past 7-year reporting limit, etc.
Include copies (not originals) of any evidence: payment records, identity theft report, account closure letter.
State explicitly that you are disputing under 15 U.S.C. § 1681i and request investigation within 30 days.
What happens during the 30-day investigation
Upon receiving a dispute, a CRA must conduct a reasonable investigation within 30 days (45 if you provide additional information). They must forward all relevant information to the furnisher. If the information cannot be verified, it must be deleted.
If the dispute is rejected
- →Re-dispute with additional documentation
- →Dispute directly with the furnisher under FCRA § 623
- →Add a 100-word statement of dispute to your credit report
- →File a CFPB complaint at cfpb.gov
- →Consult a consumer attorney — FCRA violations can mean $1,000 statutory damages
A specific, well-documented dispute letter citing FCRA § 611 is far more effective than the online dispute portals. Mail is legally stronger — it creates a documented record and forces the bureau to treat your dispute formally.
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LetterPerfect is not a law firm. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal representation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.