Errors on a Credit Report Are Easy to Fix- True or False?

Credit Report
5 min read
May 01, 2025

Technically, true – but only sometimes.

In theory, fixing errors on your credit report is simple. You file a dispute, submit supporting documents, and the credit reporting agency investigates. But in practice, far too many people run into dead ends. The credit bureau might reject your dispute without a clear reason, fail to investigate, or even re-report the same error after it was supposedly resolved.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 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.

At Consumer Justice Law Firm, our experienced attorneys help people fix their credit, hold the bureaus accountable, and even sue credit bureaus when necessary. 

Wondering how to fix credit report errors and whether they really matter? Keep reading. We’ll break it all down for you and explain how a credit bureau lawyer can make all the difference.

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 an error, you should:

  1. File a dispute directly with the credit bureau that reported the incorrect details (via certified mail). 
  2. Include documentation, like payment records or letters from lenders. 
  3. Notify the creditor that submitted the incorrect data. 
  4. Keep a copy of everything. 
  5. Hire an attorney. 

Common mistakes include:

  • Incorrect Social Security numbers 
  • Outdated or incorrect credit card balances 
  • Accounts that don’t belong to you 
  • Duplicate entries 
  • Incorrect late payment records 

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!

Fixing errors yourself is easy, they said

Are Credit Report Errors Bad?

Yes – extremely bad. 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 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 attorney 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 they do not meet these obligations, you can sue. 

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 find a lawyer to sue for credit report errors? You just did.

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 Consumer Protection attorneys near me? Yep, that’s us. And we’re nationwide.

Learn more about how we help protect your rights on our Credit Reporting Errors page.

Contact Consumer Justice Law Firm today for personalized credit report help and real results. We look forward to working with you!