What Happens If My Credit Report Is Inaccurate?

If your credit report is not accurate, consequences can far reaching when applying for mortgage loans and credits cards as well as employment opportunities or rental housing. Your credit report is one of the most important factors of your financial background, with your credit score dictating interest rates, eligibility for loans and more.

With the prevalence of identity theft today, even the smallest error could turn into a major financial obstacle. Errors could include:

Opened credit accounts that were not initiated by you
Solicitations by debt collectors for accounts that are not yours
The information of your family members appearing within your report
Accounts listed as past due that are current or that were included in bankruptcy

You have rights to dispute incorrect information contained on your credit report. At the Hyatt Browning Shirkey Law Firm, PLC, we have the legal know-how and experience to help you when your credit report is inaccurate.

Obtaining Your Credit Report Is The First Step To Dispute Any Errors

Equifax Information Services, LLC, Experian Information Solutions, Inc., Trans Union LLC and Innovis, Inc., are the four main consumer credit reporting agencies nationwide providing credit reports. The reports provide information gathered from various sources such as credit card companies, mortgage lenders, banks, department stores, cellphone companies, debt collection agencies, court records and other sources.

You can obtain your credit report free of charge every 12 months. It is important to contact all four credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, Trans Union and Innovis. For a complete record of your credit, follow these steps:

Step 1 — Request a copy of your credit report online, by mail or by phone. You may request a report from Trans Union, Equifax and Experian online at www.annualcreditreport.com. You may contact Innovis at www.innovis.com. For your convenience, we provide sample templates you may download in .pdf formats for contacting a credit bureau by mail.
Step 2 — When you receive a copy of your credit reports, look over each carefully to verify the information on them.
Step 3 — If you find inaccurate information, write a letter to each bureau about what is inaccurate. Retain a copy of your letter for your records.
Step 4 — If you are unable to get an appropriate response to correct the error, consult an experienced consumer protection lawyer.

Protect Your Rights To A Fair, Accurate Credit Report

In some cases, a letter addressing the error may not be enough to resolve the issue. In such cases, attorney Hyatt Browning Shirkey can represent you to protect your rights to fair use of your credit report and a fair, accurate credit report. Email or call our firm in Roanoke at 540-613-8431 to schedule a free phone consultation.