Credit Error FAQS: Answered

The age-old consumer problem of credit errors is unlikely to go away any time soon, since credit reporting systems don’t seem to be evolving and the importance of credit histories is becoming increasingly relevant. Since we’re stuck with the current system, the best way to make sure your credit position is at its best is to learn about credit reports and how reporting works. Here are some basic FAQs I’m asked about as a credible credit lawyer in St. Louis and Chicago.

How Do I Get a Credit Report Copy?

You can call, mail or send an online order to get a copy of your credit report from the credit reporting agency of your choice to get a copy. Mail is widely thought to be the most reliable way to get a copy of your credit report. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the most recognized credit reporting agency in the US, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only credit reporting organization. The Federal Trade Commission releases a list of verified companies for background checks, credit reporting, tenant screening and more that you can check out too. All agencies under the credit reporting guidelines provide one free copy of your credit report once every year and are also required to get you a free copy if you’ve experienced identity theft.

What Credit Report Errors Should I Look For?

There are some very strange errors like reported as dead, but some credit report inaccuracies can hurt your financial position. These are:

• Duplicate item entries
• False convictions or public record entries
• Incorrect payment history or debt details
• Negative items from more than 7 years ago
• Zombie Debt
• Identity theft items
• Item mix-up with someone else’s files

Essentially, a discrepancy of any kind should be assessed and compared to your valid records.

What Kinds of Errors Can Be Corrected and How?

You can dispute any item on your credit report and ask for correction from the credit reporting agency that generated your report. Details like incorrect bio-details, false items, mixed credit reports, inaccurate background check information and expired items can be removed. If you’ve identified an error like a bankruptcy credit error or repeated debt items on your report, you should reach out to a lawyer for credit repair like me to fix the issue. Unlike a credit repair agency, credit lawyers can assess your report and make strategic disputes where needed rather than disputing every item.

What Do I Do If My Error Dispute Gets Rejected?

There are many people who try to file disputes against credit report errors on their own, which in my experience, often leads to a rejected dispute. There are a few reasons why this can happen. First, you may not have been clear enough with your dispute letter, or the necessary documents you need to correct the error may not have been sent in. The other reason why this happens is because the correspondent on the other end isn’t communicating or doing their job properly. In that case, your best option is to hire a lawyer for credit repair like me. I can assist you in filing a detailed and complete credit report error dispute, as well as pursuing legal action in case of negligence on behalf of the agency. I also take on cases as an identity theft credit repair attorney, debt harassment lawyer, and lawyer for bankruptcy inaccuracies in St. Louis and Chicago.