.jpg)
Credit Report Errors? Fight Back.
1 in 5 credit reports has errors. The FCRA gives you the power to fix them - or sue.
Check Your RightsThe Credit Bureaus
Three companies control your credit score. They collect data from banks, credit cards, and collectors. According to FTC studies, 1 in 5 consumers have errors on their reports.
Equifax
One of the three major bureaus. Handles credit data for hundreds of millions of consumers.
Experian
Processes billions of data points from creditors, lenders, and collection agencies.
TransUnion
Maintains credit files on over 200 million Americans with data from thousands of sources.
Common Credit Report Errors
Mixed Files
Someone else's accounts on your report - common with similar names, Jr./Sr., or common surnames. The bureaus' matching algorithms are notoriously bad.
Identity Theft
Accounts you never opened. Someone used your info to open credit cards, loans, or utilities. You're not responsible, but you have to fight to remove them.
Wrong Balance/Status
Showing a debt as unpaid when you paid it off. Showing the wrong balance. Marking accounts as delinquent when you're current.
Old Debts
Negative items older than 7 years that should have fallen off. Re-aged debts that were sold to new collectors. Duplicate listings of the same debt.
Incorrect Personal Info
Wrong addresses, employers, or names can indicate a mixed file. Also makes it harder to verify your identity.
Closed Accounts Showing Open
Accounts you closed still showing as open and active. Can affect debt-to-credit ratios and make it look like you have more credit.
Your Rights Under the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you powerful rights against credit bureaus and the companies that report to them ("furnishers").
Right to Free Reports
One free report from each bureau per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Also free if you're denied credit, unemployed, on welfare, or suspect fraud.
Right to Dispute Errors
You can dispute any inaccurate information directly with the bureau and/or the furnisher. They must investigate.
Right to Investigation in 30 Days
The bureau must investigate within 30 days (35 if you provide additional info). They must review all relevant evidence you submit.
Right to Results
They must notify you of the results and provide a free updated report if changes were made.
Right to Sue
If they fail to investigate properly, re-insert deleted info without notice, or report obviously inaccurate info, you can sue for damages.
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
Get Your Reports
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com (the only official source). Check all three bureaus - they often have different errors.
Identify Errors
Review every account. Check balances, statuses, dates, and personal info. Note anything that looks wrong.
Dispute in Writing
Send a written dispute via certified mail with return receipt. Include copies (not originals) of supporting documents. Online disputes create a weaker paper trail.
Dispute to Furnisher Too
Also send a dispute to the company that reported the info (bank, collector, etc.). They have their own obligation to investigate under the FCRA.
Wait for Response
They have 30-35 days to investigate and respond. If they "verify" without actually investigating, or ignore your evidence, that's actionable.
Escalate If Needed
If they don't fix it: file a CFPB complaint, send a second dispute, and consult an FCRA attorney. The more they ignore, the stronger your case.
When You Can Sue Under the FCRA
Credit Bureau Violations
- •Failed to conduct a "reasonable" investigation
- •Re-inserted deleted info without notifying you
- •Reported obviously inaccurate information
- •Ignored documentation you provided
Furnisher Violations
- •Reported info they knew was wrong
- •Failed to investigate after direct dispute
- •Continued reporting after receiving correction
- •Reported debts past the 7-year limit
What You Can Win
- Actual damages: Denied credit, higher interest rates paid, lost job opportunity
- Statutory damages: $100-$1,000 per willful violation
- Punitive damages: Additional penalty for willful violations
- Attorney fees: They pay your lawyer - not you
Notable FCRA Court Cases
These are publicly documented court cases and settlements. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Class action settlement involving mixed credit files
Supreme Court case regarding OFAC terrorist list matching errors
CFPB enforcement action for dispute handling procedures
Typical range for individual cases with documented harm
Dispute Letter Templates
Errors on Your Credit Report?
Our free tool helps identify FCRA violations and connects you with attorneys who specialize in credit reporting cases. No upfront cost.
Check My Credit Rights