Credit Reporting Errors

Have you found a mistake on your credit report? You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out on your own, either. Whether you’re just starting to research, trying to fix the problem yourself, or thinking about legal action, this page is your roadmap. Scroll below for the stage of the process that best fits your situation:

  • I Just Found a Mistake on My Credit Report

  • I Want to Fix the Credit Report Error Myself

  • The Credit Reporting Agency Ignored My Dispute

  • I Tried to Fix it Myself, But Now I Need Legal Help

  • Special Case: Identity Theft

  • Special Case: Mixed Credit Files

🙋 Stage 1—I Just Found a Mistake on My Report.

You’ve just discovered an error, like a debt that isn’t yours, a payment marked late that you made on time, or personal information that’s wrong, and want to learn more. Start with these posts:

✅ credit denial due to a mistake on your credit report?

Learn how to get your report and take the necessary steps to fix the error.

✅ how to get your free credit report and understand it

Learn the safest and easiest way to request and read your report from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

✅ common credit reporting mistakes and how to spot them

See the types of mistakes that appear most often and what causes them.

✅ how credit reporting errors cost you money, housing, and job opportunities

How credit report errors can have a major impact on your life.

✅ Can I remove accurate but negative information from my credit report?

Learn why you can only get inaccurate information removed from your credit report

🛠 Stage 2—I Want to Fix the Error Myself.

You’re ready to dispute a credit report mistake yourself, but you want to send a strong, well-documented dispute that gives you the best chance for success. Start with these posts:

✅ disputing credit report errors: what works and what doesn’t

Step-by-step instructions for writing and mailing a dispute letter that gets taken seriously.

✅ 5 Mistakes to avoid when disputing a credit report error

Avoid the common traps that can weaken your dispute or give up your rights.

😠 Stage 3—They Ignored My Dispute. Now what?

You’ve disputed an error and it wasn’t fixed or the credit bureau said your claim was “verified” without explaining how. Start with these posts to learn more about your next steps:

✅ How long do credit bureaus have to correct an error on my report

Learn how long investigations can take and what the law requires.

✅ What to do when credit bureaus won’t fix mistakes

Five steps to take when the credit bureaus won’t fix mistakes after you’ve disputed them.

⚖️ Stage 4—I Tried to Fix it, but Now I Need Legal Help

You’ve done everything you can and the mistake still isn’t fixed. You’re wondering now if it might be time to take legal action. Start with these posts to learn more about the Fair Credit Reporting Act:

✅ Your Rights Under the FCRA: How to Sue When a Credit Bureau Breaks the Rules

Learn your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and how to sue when they fail to act.

✅ How Much Money Can You Get from a Successful FCRA Lawsuit?

Explore what kinds of damages you can recover—including statutory, actual, punitive, and legal fees—in a successful credit reporting lawsuit.

🧭 Special Stage—Identity Theft Victims

If you're a victim of identity theft and looking to get your credit report back on track, check out these posts and resources:

✅ How to Recover from Identity Theft and Repair Your Credit Report

Learn how to report fraud, dispute bogus accounts, stop debt collectors, and rebuild your credit.

✅ IDENTITYTHEFT.GOV

Federal Trade Commission website packed with free resources for Identity Theft Victims

🧭 Special Stage—Mixed File Victims

If there are a bunch of accounts on your report that don’t belong to you, your credit file might be mixed up with another person. Learn more here:

✅ What Is a “Mixed File” on My Credit Report and What Can I Do About It?

Ready to talk to a lawyer about your credit report error?
Schedule a consult with FCRA lawyer Todd Murray.

Since 2009, Todd has been helping people fix credit report errors. He has recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for his clients and helped them clean up mistakes on their credit reports. Todd’s clients have described him as “very professional and easy to work with.” He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and four children.