Why is Someone Else’s Name on my Credit Report?
Credit reports can sometimes show inaccurate information. According to a study conducted by the Federal Trade Commission, about 1 in 4 people identified errors in their credit reports that might affect their credit scores. Errors on your credit report can lower your credit score, costing you money in the long run.
If there is a mistake on your credit report, it is critical to immediately dispute the mistake with each Credit Reporting Agency (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) that shows the mistake in order to prevent further harm. Here are some reasons why you might see inaccurate information on your credit report, why they happen, and what to do about them.
False Personal Information
Incorrect personal information can sometimes appear on your credit report, and it can range from minor to major errors. This can include:
- Misspelled names
- Wrong address
- Wrong birthday
- Wrong social security numbers
- Incorrect employment information
- Someone else’s name
It is critical that the information on your credit report is accurate. Sometimes, one or all of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) will make a mistake on credit reports, and cause:
- Financial Harm
- Loss of Employment
- Denial of Credit or Insurance
- Emotional Distress and Problems with Relationships
How Do I Correct This Information?
Whatever mistakes appear on your credit report, you have the right to fix them. The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) is a federal law that protects Consumers from misuse or false reporting on credit reports, and it requires both credit reporting agencies and your creditors to accurately report credit information. If there is a mistake, you must file a formal dispute and you must provide proof of your identity and proof there is a mistake. It is important to send the Dispute by Certified Mail so you can prove when it was received.
Here is a sample dispute letter.
If the mistake on the credit reports continues after proper disputes, you should contact an experienced attorney to find out your options regarding an FCRA dispute.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey FCRA Lawyer Today
If you have suffered damages due to false information on your credit report, and are in need of an FCRA lawyer, contact the law office of Ira J. Metrick today for a free consultation. We can help you review your situation and prepare a credit card FCRA dispute.