What to Do When a Credit Reporting Agency Won’t Fix an Error

You found an error on your credit report and sent a dispute letter to the Credit Reporting Agency. You even included documents to back up your case. But about month later, you got a response from the credit bureau saying the account is “verified” or “accurate.”

Now what?

Unfortunately, this is a common, and incredibly frustrating, experience. But you’re not out of options. Here’s what you can do if a credit reporting agency refuses to correct a credit report error after your first dispute.

Step 1: Review the Response Carefully

Your first step is to clearly understand the results of the investigation. Did they keep the mistake on your report? Or did they fix it? This isn’t always obvious and it may help to compare the updated report you got as part of the investigation results with your old report from before you disputed.

It’s also important to know if they actually investigated your dispute. Although CRAs are generally required to investigate disputes, there are some exceptions. For example, if you failed to provide enough information with your dispute, the CRA may not have been able to conduct an investigation.

Step 2: Consider Disputing Again and Include More Information

Take another look at your initial dispute letter. Did you clearly identify the account that is wrong? Did you explain the mistake in enough detail? Did you send documents that show the error? If not, consider sending a second dispute letter with a clearer explanation or stronger supporting documentation.

Don’t just send the same dispute letter a second time. CRAs can properly refuse to investigate a dispute if it is substantially the same as a previous dispute, or if it provides no new information.

Step 3: Dispute with the Furnisher (the Company That Reported the Error)

You can also send a written dispute directly to the creditor or company that reported the inaccurate information (called the "furnisher"). Include a clear explanation of the error and all supporting documentation.

Important: only do this if you’ve already disputed to the Credit Bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, etc) and they’ve failed to fix the error. Direct disputes to furnishers are typically not governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and you don’t have any meaningful recourse if the furnisher ignores your dispute.

Step 4: File a Complaint with the CFPB

If you’re getting nowhere, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). You can do this online at www.consumerfinance.gov.

The CFPB will forward your complaint to the credit bureau or furnisher and require a response. This process sometimes leads to faster resolutions.

Step 5: Talk to a Consumer Protection Lawyer

If you’ve completed Steps 1-4 here, and the mistake has still not been fixed, it may be time to talk to an attorney who handles credit reporting cases.

A lawyer can help you determine your next steps and whether you may have a legal claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Many lawyers who handle credit reporting error cases provide a free consult and do not charge up front fees for representation.

Final Thoughts

It’s incredibly frustrating when you do everything right and the system still fails you. But remember: You have rights. Credit bureaus and furnishers don’t get the final say when they don’t follow the law.

How Long Do Credit Bureaus Have to Investigate a Credit Report Dispute?

If you’ve found a mistake on your credit report and sent a dispute to the credit bureau, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to get a response. The good news is that the Fair Credit Reporting Act sets strict deadlines for the credit bureaus to complete their investigation.

Once the credit bureau receives your dispute, it generally has 30 days to investigate and respond. That clock starts ticking the day they get your dispute. If you submit more information after the initial filing, they may get an extra 15 days, but only if the new information is relevant to the investigation.

During that time, the credit bureau must contact the company that provided the disputed information (called the "furnisher") and pass along the details of your dispute. The furnisher must then investigate and report back.

When the investigation is complete, the credit bureau must send you the results in writing. This will typically include a free copy of your updated credit report.

Bottom line: You should expect a response within 30 to 45 days of filing your dispute. If the bureau doesn’t respond or fails to fix a clear error, you may have legal options.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Disputing a Credit Report Error

Many people unknowingly sabotage their credit report disputes by making preventable errors. In this post, we’ll walk through the five most common mistakes people make when disputing credit report errors and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Disputing the Error Online

Yes, it’s fast and easy to file a dispute through the credit bureaus’ online portals. But here’s the catch: online disputes often limit what you can say, don’t let you submit full supporting documentation, and may waive important rights under federal law.

What to do instead: Write a physical letter and mail it (with proof of delivery) to the credit reporting agencies. This gives you control over the content of your dispute and creates a better paper trail in case you need to escalate later.

Mistake 2: Not Sending the Dispute to the CRA

A common misconception is that you need to contact the creditor (also known as the “furnisher”) who reported the wrong info. While it’s okay to let them know, your legal rights kick in only when you send the dispute to the Credit Reporting Agency. The three most common CRAs are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Why it matters: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the credit bureaus are legally required to investigate when you send them a dispute, not when you contact the creditor directly.

Mistake 3: Leaving Out Key Details

You don’t need to write a novel, but your dispute letter should clearly identify the mistake and provide enough information for someone unfamiliar with your situation to understand the problem.

What to include:

• Your full name, address, and date of birth

• A copy of your ID (to prove your identity)

• A copy of your credit report with the error highlighted

• A short but clear explanation of what’s wrong and why it’s wrong

• Any supporting documents (bank statements, letters, receipts, court records, etc.)

Mistake 4: Not Saying What You Want

Don’t assume the credit bureau will know how to fix the error. Be direct and tell them what you want them to do. Whether it’s deleting an account, updating a payment status, or correcting a balance, it’s important to be specific.

Sample sentence:
“I am requesting that you delete this account from my credit report because it does not belong to me.”

Being clear about your request improves your chances of getting the outcome you want.

Mistake 5: Not Keeping Records

You’d be surprised how many people send off a dispute and then don’t keep a copy. That’s risky, especially if you need to follow up or take legal action later.

What to keep:

• A copy of your dispute letter

• All supporting documents included with your letter

• Return receipts or tracking information

• Any response letters from the credit bureaus

You’re building a paper trail that could be critical down the road if the error isn’t fixed properly.

Final Thoughts: Get it Right the First Time

Disputing a credit report error can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you give yourself the best shot at a successful outcome.

And remember, if the credit bureaus or creditors don’t fix the problem after you’ve properly disputed it, you may have legal options. Consider talking to a consumer rights lawyer who handles Fair Credit Reporting Act cases to learn more.

How to Recover from Identity Theft and Repair Your Credit Report

Identity theft can feel overwhelming, violating, and deeply unfair. It happens when someone uses your personal information, like your name, Social Security number, or account details, to open new accounts or rack up charges in your name.

If this has happened to you, you're not alone. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 17.6 million Americans were victims of identity theft in just one year. But there are concrete steps you can take to stop the fraud, clean up your credit, and reclaim your peace of mind. Here's how to recognize the signs and what to do if you've become a victim.

How to Spot Identity Theft

The sooner you catch identity theft, the easier it is to limit the damage. Here’s what to watch for:

Check your credit reports regularly
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re entitled to one free report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Get yours at AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official source.

Tip: Stagger your requests (one bureau every four months) to keep tabs on your credit year-round for free.

Look for red flags:

• Accounts you didn’t open

• Credit inquiries from companies you never applied to

• Incorrect personal information (like unfamiliar addresses or Social Security number digits)

• Balances that seem too high on your current accounts

Monitor your bills and mail:
Don’t ignore strange bills, collection notices, or calls about debts you don’t recognize. These are often the first signs someone has stolen your identity.

8 Steps for Recovering From Identity Theft

Step 1: Contact the companies where fraud occurred

Call each creditor’s fraud department. Ask them to close or freeze the account immediately. Document every call: date, time, the name of the person you spoke to, and what was said.

STEP 2: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports

A fraud alert is free and lasts for 90 days (you can renew it). It signals to lenders that they must verify your identity before opening new accounts. You only need to contact one bureau — they’ll notify the others.

• Extended fraud alert: If you’ve filed a police report or an Identity Theft Report, you can request an extended alert that lasts seven years.

• Credit freeze: Consider freezing your credit, which blocks access to your reports entirely. In Minnesota, identity theft victims can do this for free.

STEP 3: File a report with the FTC

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and create a personalized recovery plan. Print and save the report — it’s called an Identity Theft Report and is a critical part of the recovery process.

STEP 4: Consider filing a police report

Some creditors or bureaus may require one. When you go to the police department to file the report, make sure to bring the following documents:

• A copy of your FTC report

• Your government-issued ID

• Proof of your address

• Any evidence of the theft

Ask for a copy of the police report and keep it in your records.

STEP 5: Close Fraudulent Accounts and Reverse Unauthorized Charges

List every fake account and any unauthorized charges on your real accounts. Then:

• Contact the creditor’s fraud department

• Send your FTC report and police report

• Request written confirmation that accounts were closed and you won’t be held responsible

Keep all letters and responses.

STEP 6: Dispute Fraudulent Items with the Credit Bureaus

Write a dispute letter to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Include:

• A copy of your credit report with fraud items circled

• Your FTC Identity Theft Report (and police report, if available)

• A clear request to block the fraudulent items from your report

You can find sample letters at IdentityTheft.gov. Save all correspondence.

STEP 7: Notify Any Debt Collectors Involved

If you're being contacted about debts you didn’t create, don’t ignore it.

• Send a written letter explaining the identity theft

• Include your FTC and police reports, plus any letters from creditors clearing you

• Request they stop contacting you and remove the debt

Keep a log of collection calls and save all letters.

STEP 8: Get Legal Help if Disputes Aren’t Resolved

If the credit bureaus refuse to remove fraudulent accounts, or if collectors keep harassing you, don’t fight alone. Consumer protection laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) give you powerful rights.

A consumer protection who handles identity theft cases can:

• Force credit bureaus and creditors to correct your report

• Stop illegal collection activity

• Help you sue if your rights were violated

In many cases, these laws allow you to recover damages — and make the wrongdoers pay your attorney’s fees.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from identity theft takes time, patience, and documentation, but you can take control. The steps above aren’t just helpful; they’re your legal rights. Keep records, follow up persistently, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.