I sent away for my credit report a little while back. I had to send a copy of my drivers license as proof that it was me wanting my report as well as paid the fee to get it. When I recieved it I found a name which was not mine oweing someone I have never heard of before in my life. The name had my first name only spelled differently, the middle name wasn't even close to my middle name, and the last name was the same as mine. When I contacted the reporting agency they said the only way it could be removed was if the one who reported it to them had it removed. So I contacted the one that reported it to them and explained everything and they said there was nothing they could do and the only way it would be removed was if I paid the debt owed. Now why should I pay a debt I don't owe? Any suggestions besides paying out money for a lawyer to handle this?
2006-12-01 01:34:41 · 6 answers · asked by ? 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
The first thing that you need to do is file a dispute with the Credit Reporting Agency who is reporting the false information. Highlight the erronous name and debt on your credit report and mail it (a copy, not the original) to the CRA along with a letter stating that this is not your name and not your debt and would they please investigate this.
The CRA is required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act to investigate your claim within 30 days. They will contact the agency that is reporting this bad mark on your credit and ask for personal information on you (such as your SS#, past addresses, etc) if the agency reporting the bad mark is not able to provide this information (and they won't be) the tradeline MUST be removed from your report. The CRA must contact you after that 30 days with information on what actions are being taken to correct the misinformation. They will also provide you (free of charge) with an updated copy of the report.
If the tradeline is not removed, send a letter to the agency reporting the false debt letting them know how the CRA ruled (in your favor) and that they have 5 days to remove the debt prior to your seeking legal action against them. If they do not do it they are obligated by federal law to pay you $1000 for each infringement. You do not need a lawyer to file against them in court for this.
Best of luck. (Make sure to send all correspondance CRRR to keep a good paper trail)
2006-12-01 01:49:26 · answer #1 · answered by A.R. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Under the FCRA and FDCPA, someone cannot put something on your reports unless they first prove it's yours. If you want this off, do this. Get the address of the company who put it there (from your reports) and your local Better Business Bureau. Write a letter to the BBB telling them that this company erroneously placed this item on your report, and you do not owe the debt. Send proof of your drivers license that this is not your name. Send a copy of this letter to the company.
Notice that you DO NOT contact the credit reporting agencies or the offending company. Do not call anyone. The BBB will do that for you. They will make a request to them to submit proof that this is you. Normally they will write back and tell the BBB that they made a mistake and remove it from your reports. If not, there are other methods you can take but try this first.
2006-12-01 02:33:08 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell the company listed that you need to see a copy of the signed contract before you pay it. They may require that you send this dispute and information request in writing, if so, send it to them. If you don't receive the info w/ in 30 days they will have to remove it. If you receive the info and it doesn't belong to you, you'll need to ask the agency what their requirements are for removing a fraudulent account.
2006-12-01 01:45:18 · answer #3 · answered by E B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is normal. They send out a generalized report. So does the police when you get a copy of your criminal report. It gives you a list of everyone that has the same first name and sometimes last name. Don't be concerned about it. Only be concerned with the creditors that aply to you.
2006-12-01 01:50:11 · answer #4 · answered by golden rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not need an attorney, The bureau rep did not give you accurate information.
You have the right to submit a letter of dispute to the bureaus and force them to verify the accuracy of the item. If they can not prove it was you they must remove it.
Here is some additional info. Hope this helps.
2006-12-01 02:48:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://investing.sitesled.com/how-do-i-remove-errors-on-my-credit-report.htm, hope this helps
2006-12-01 01:40:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋