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Reviewing your credit report at least once a year is an important part of managing your personal finances. Ensuring the information contained in the report is accurate can help you when making a large purchase, such as buying a new vehicle or applying for a mortgage.

Many employers now check prospective employees’ credit reports as well, so if you’re currently in the market for a new job, you’ll want to thoroughly review your report for any errors and inaccuracies.

A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that more than one-third of respondents discovered significant errors on their credit reports, including accounts they didn’t recognize. Here’s how to find and address errors on your credit report.

Obtaining your Credit Report

You can get a free copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Through April, 2022, you may check your credit report as often as once a week at annualcreditreport.com. This is so consumers can easily manage and monitor their credit during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The three major credit bureaus are allowing the service to continue for the new year.

Information to Review

Be sure the following information is current and correct:

Basic Information

  • Name (including middle initial, JR/SR, maiden)
  • Social Security Number
  • Current and Previous Addresses
  • Phone Number(s)
  • Date of Birth
  • Marital Status
  • Employment Information

Credit History

  • Verify all accounts listed are accurate and belong to you
  • Double check account balances
  • Make sure accounts you closed voluntarily are correctly labeled as “closed by consumer”
  • Confirm accuracy of negative entries
  • Ensure negative entries aren’t duplicated
  • Verify zero balances for settled accounts and bankruptcy discharges
  • Be sure no negative information older than seven years old is listed (except as permitted by law)

I Found an Error. Now What?

If you find inaccuracies or need to dispute an entry, each credit reporting agency has a link on their website to initiate disputes.

You may also lodge disputes by mail, if you prefer. Here is an example of a dispute letter.

Creditors have up to 45 days to respond to disputes. The credit reporting agency will notify you of the outcome. If the dispute is successful, check your credit report(s) again at 30 & 60 days to ensure the changes are reflected accurately.

What if it’s Identity Theft?

If you’re concerned the errors on your credit report are the result of identity theft, place a 90-day fraud alert on the credit report with each credit reporting agency. Then follow these detailed identity theft recovery steps.

After you have completed the steps, file a police report about the identity theft, and get a copy of the police report or the report number.

woman working on balancing budget

Struggling with Credit Card Debt?

A debt management plan can help:
  • Consolidate monthly payments
  • Lower interest rates
  • Eliminate collection calls

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