In theory, it’s the truth. In reality? It’s way more fairytale and way less fact.
Fixing credit report errors yourself should be simple. You file a dispute, submit supporting documents, and the credit reporting agency investigates and corrects the error. 1…2…3…done!
But in reality, far too many people run into dead ends, bump up against brutal corporate stagnation, and flounder in frustration while their credit score flops. A credit bureau might reject your dispute without a clear reason, fail to investigate, or even re-report the same error repeatedly, even after it was supposedly resolved.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
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Every year, thousands of people struggle to correct harmful inaccuracies in their consumer reports. And while some succeed, many don’t… until they get the right legal help, that is.
At Consumer Justice Law Firm, our experienced attorneys help people fix credit report errors, hold the bureaus accountable, and even sue credit bureaus when necessary.
Wondering how to fix credit report errors and whether they really matter? Learn how working with the right lawyer can make all the difference.
Common Credit Report Errors
While there are a lot of ways that credit report errors can show up, these are a few of the most common ones that you are more likely to discover in your credit profile at some point in time.
- Outdated or incorrect credit card balances
- Incorrect Social Security numbers
- Accounts that don’t belong to you
- Duplicate entries for the same account, loan, etc.
- Incorrect late payment records
How to Fix Credit Report Errors
So, what should you do if you find errors in your credit report? Start by checking all three of your reports from the major consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus): Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can request your reports online via AnnualCreditReport.com – for FREE.
If you find a credit report error, you should:
- File a dispute directly with the credit bureau that reported the incorrect details (via certified mail). Write a clear letter, stating what the credit report errors are.
- Include documentation, like payment records or letters from lenders.
- Notify the lender, banker, or retail account that submitted the incorrect data.
- Keep a copy of everything and take notes of any conversations.
Still, even with a paper trail and a well-documented dispute, many consumers report frustration when trying to resolve mistakes – especially when dealing with Experian customer service, or waiting months for TransUnion or Equifax to respond.
And what if the bureaus ignore your request or claim the information is correct when it isn’t? That’s where our team comes in.
Work with an attorney for $0 out of pocket. Our free consultations exist for a reason- so don’t be shy! We’ll take care of the investigation and dispute, and if we think you have a case, we’ll file a lawsuit to get your credit report errors fixed and get you compensation.
Are Credit Report Errors Bad?
Yes – without question. A seemingly small inaccuracy can impact nearly every aspect of your life.
Your credit score influences your ability to get a car, rent a home, land a job, and qualify for credit cards and loans. Even a single error, like a wrongly reported late payment or a debt that doesn’t belong to you – can tank your score by dozens or even hundreds of points.
Mistakes tied to your Social Security number can also be a red flag for identity theft. Incorrect public records or criminal data can cost you job offers or housing.
You should dispute errors. Organizations like the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), a nationally respected organization dedicated to protecting consumer rights and holding major corporations accountable, provide quality insights into the process, like this advice for older consumers.
So, if you’re thinking, “I need to fix my credit but don’t know where to start,” – we get it. Many people start by blindly researching how to clean up your credit report, or credit help, but end up completely stuck when the bureaus won’t cooperate. If this has been your experience, it’s time to talk to a credit report errors lawyer.
What if the Credit Bureau Won’t Fix the Credit Report Errors?
Here’s the truth – credit reporting agencies often use automated systems to process disputes. These systems don’t always catch the details, and they frequently side with the creditor even when the consumer provides strong evidence.
If a bureau refuses to correct an error after your dispute, you may have grounds for a credit report lawsuit under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
The FCRA requires credit bureaus to:
- Conduct a reasonable investigation into your dispute
- Correct or delete inaccurate information
- Notify the furnisher (the source of the disputed information) of any corrections
- Inform other credit bureaus if the error appears on multiple reports
- Respond within 30 days
When the credit bureaus don’t meet their obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and cause you harm, a lawsuit is a really useful tool to get your credit and your life back.
Our team has helped clients across the United States – including in California, Florida, and New York get justice when credit bureaus ignored or mishandled their disputes. We’ve held Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion accountable in court and recovered damages for our clients.
Want to learn more about how working with a lawyer to sue for credit report errors can benefit you tremendously in the short and long term? Check out the full scoop on our credit report errors practice page.
Get Justice: Dispute Credit Report Errors for Good
You deserve a clean, accurate credit report. If your disputes have been ignored, or the credit bureaus keep reporting incorrect information, it’s time to take action.
Our attorneys know how to dispute credit report errors effectively – and if needed, how to fight back in court. Whether you’re being blocked from housing, loans, or job opportunities due to false information, we can help you fix your credit and protect your rights.
Looking for a credit report errors lawyer near me? Yep, that’s us. We’re nationwide, so we’re always local.
Contact Consumer Justice Law Firm today for personalized help with credit report errors and real results. We look forward to working with you!