How do I know if I have any errors on my credit reports?


How do I know if I have any errors on my credit reports?

credit reports

Your credit report should be accurate.

This is a great question.

The answer requires some work on your part.  But it is definitely worth the effort!

Print your credit reports and check everything.

You literally need to print your reports off, we recommend getting them for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, and look at them line by line.

Check the names, addresses, public listings, etc.

Look for things such as bankruptcies, judgments, tax liens.

The question you need to ask as you go line by line is, “Is this accurate?”

We’re not talking about whether it’s good or bad, we’re just trying to figure out if it’s accurate.

If it’s accurate, then there’s no errors and you’re good.

If your reports are inaccurate, then they need to be fixed.

Fix the errors by disputing them through the credit reporting agencies

We have other articles/videos on how to dispute false information but here is the basic concept:

  1. Send a letter to each credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, etc) that has false information on your reports
  2. If a “furnisher” (the one who provided the info — such as Capital One, etc) is involved, then send the letter to the furnisher as well
  3. Explain the error
  4. Explain why the information is wrong
  5. Enclose any proof you have
  6. Ask them to fix it or delete it
  7. Send it certified so you know they received it

What to do after you hear back from the credit reporting agencies

If they fix the error, that’s great!

If they don’t fix the error, and you are convinced it is wrong, then give us a call if you are in Alabama.  205-879-2447 will get you to us and we can set up a meeting in person or by phone to go over your situation.

If there is an error that is not being fixed, we normally sue under the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) to fix the problem and to get you money damages.

Contact Us.

If you have any questions, you can give us a call at 1-205-879-2447.

We will be glad to help you.

You can also fill out a contact form and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

I look forward to chatting with you!

Have a great day.

-John G. Watts


3 Comments

  1. Rodney says:

    I am curious to your thoughts about a often NOT spoke of concept–>>
    Metro 2 COMPLIANCE..

    Reason I ask is due to the fact that the credit mafia uses eoscar to process disputes and verify , correct? Well, when one looks up the description of Eoscar, it states very concretely that
    “Eoscar is a webbased, METRO 2 COMPLIANT,automated system….”
    As such, logic says that the credit mafia MUST be exactly THAT, Metro 2 COMPLIANT! However, what EXACTLY is METRO 2 COMPLIANCE? I do understand that Metro 2 is a SOFTWARE program that details the exact and certified data field formatting that is utilized by the entities involved in reporting to communicate consumer data to and from another even including verification or modifications of such.
    Would love your insight! Thanks!

    • John Watts says:

      Rodney,

      Thanks for your comment.

      Yes METRO 2 is the software they use.

      The theory is there will be uniformity on, for example, what a “30 day late” means.

      It doesn’t always work in practice.

      Bottom line is whether they use software or keep up with things on a sticky note, it must be accurate. If not accurate, then you dispute and they fix or you sue.

      I can’t really explain more about Metro 2 in this comment — it gets a bit convoluted but just keep in mind the fundamental issue of accurate credit reports. The software may change — get updated or replaced — but the basics of the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) are independent of any software or industry standards.

      Hope that helps and if you were looking for something else please let me know and I’ll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction.

      Have a great weekend!

      John Watts

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