An account that is not yours

An account you never opened has two common causes. A bureau may have mixed another person’s file into yours, usually someone with a similar name. Or someone used your information, which is identity theft and gets the faster legal remedy.

Tell the difference

Signs of a mix-up: one stray account, a similar name, no other surprises. Signs of theft: addresses you never lived at, several unfamiliar accounts, inquiries you never made, or calls from collectors about debts you know nothing about. If theft is possible, follow the identity theft guide and request a block under FCRA Section 605B, which is due within 4 business days of a complete packet.

For a mix-up, dispute it

1. Pull all three reports and note which bureaus list the account.
2. Dispute the account as not yours with each bureau that lists it, using the free dispute letter or the bureau’s online dispute.
3. Include copies of identification if asked. Send copies, never originals.
4. The bureau generally has 30 days to investigate, must forward the dispute to the company that reported it, and must delete what it cannot verify.
5. Log the dispute in the tracker and recheck the report when the investigation closes.

Common questions

Should I contact the company on the account?

Yes, in writing if you can. Ask it to confirm whether it holds an account under your information, and keep notes.

What if the account comes back verified?

Ask the bureau for a description of the procedure it used to verify, which Section 611 allows, and dispute again with any new evidence. You can also add a brief statement of dispute to your file.

Does disputing cost money?

No. Disputes are free by law, at every bureau, as many as you need.

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