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What are common credit report errors that I should look for on my credit report?

When reviewing your credit report, check that it contains only items about you. Be sure to look for information that is inaccurate or incomplete.

How do I check a credit report for common errors?

Check for identity errors

  • Errors made to your identity information (wrong name, phone number, address)
  • Accounts belonging to another person with the same or a similar name as yours (mixing two consumers’ information in a single file is called a mixed file)
  • Incorrect accounts resulting from identity theft

Check for incorrect reporting of account status

  • Closed accounts reported as open
  • You are reported as the owner of the account, when you are actually just an authorized user
  • Accounts that are incorrectly reported as late or delinquent
  • Incorrect date of last payment, date opened, or date of first delinquency
  • Same debt listed more than once, possibly with different names

Check for data management errors

  • Accounts with an incorrect current balance
  • Accounts with an incorrect credit limit

If you find errors, you should contact the credit reporting company that sent you the report, and the lender or company that provided the information (called the “furnisher” of the information). Your credit report includes directions about how to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information or you can use our sample dispute letters for furnishers and credit reporting companies.

Still having trouble with a credit reporting company?

Companies can usually answer questions unique to your situation and more specific to the products and services they offer. If you have a complaint, tell us about your issue—we’ll forward your issue to the company, give you a tracking number, and keep you updated on the status of your complaint.

Learn how the complaint process works