Error on a credit report: what to do

Have this ready

• credit report page with the error
• proof of the correct information

Steps for any company

1. Dispute the error with each bureau that shows it. Attach proof.

2. Also dispute it with the company that reported the data.

3. If the bureau does not fix it, complain to the CFPB.

A company playbook below replaces these generic steps with the company’s own forms, phone numbers and deadlines.

Company playbooks (8)

Credit reporting agencies

• EquifaxGet the report, dispute each wrong item online or by mail with proof, and also dispute it with the lender that reported it.
• ExperianGet the report, dispute each wrong item in the Experian Dispute Center or by mail with proof, and also dispute it with the company that reported it.
• TransUnionGet the report, dispute each wrong item online, by phone or by mail with proof, and also dispute it with the company that reported it.

Debt collectors and debt buyers

• Convergent Outsourcing (now Transworld Systems)Dispute the entry with each credit bureau and directly with the furnisher at the address on your credit report.
• Jefferson CapitalDispute the entry with each credit bureau and directly with Jefferson Capital at the address on your credit report.
• LVNV Funding (serviced by Resurgent Capital Services)Dispute the LVNV entry with each credit bureau and directly with Resurgent.
• Midland Credit Management (Encore Capital Group)Dispute the Midland entry with each credit bureau and directly with Midland through the Consumer Resolution Center.
• Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRA)Dispute the PRA entry with each credit bureau and directly with PRA at the address on your credit report.

Guides

• Credit bureaus — how disputes and complaints work