The Fair Credit Reporting Act
The FCRA governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, maintain, and share credit information. It requires that information in your file be accurate and gives you the right to dispute anything you believe is incorrect, incomplete, or unverifiable.
Bureaus are generally required to investigate disputes and respond within a defined statutory window, and to remove or correct information that a furnisher cannot verify as accurate.
Common credit report errors
Identity Mix-ups
Accounts belonging to someone with a similar name or SSN.
Duplicate Accounts
The same debt reported more than once, often after collection resale.
Outdated Items
Negative items reported past the standard reporting period.
Status Errors
A paid or settled account still showing as open or delinquent.
The dispute workflow
Pull your report
Request your report from each of the three nationwide bureaus and review every account, balance, and status entry line by line.
Document the error
Gather statements, payment confirmations, or correspondence that supports why the item is inaccurate or unverifiable.
File the dispute
Submit the dispute directly with the bureau reporting the item, in writing where possible, referencing the specific account and reason.
Track the response
Bureaus generally must investigate and respond within a statutory window. Keep copies of everything you submit and receive.
Escalate if unresolved
If the investigation doesn't resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general's office.
Add a statement
If a dispute isn't resolved in your favor, you generally have the right to add a brief consumer statement to the file.
Credit Freezes
A security freeze restricts access to your credit file, making it harder for new accounts to be opened in your name. Freezes are free to place and lift with each bureau and don't affect your existing accounts or score.
Because freezes are managed separately at each of the three bureaus, most consumers need to place — and later lift — a freeze at each one individually.
CFPB Complaints
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accepts complaints about credit reporting, debt collection, and most consumer financial products. Complaints are typically forwarded to the company, which is expected to respond within a set timeframe.
File a complaint at consumerfinance.gov