How do I Contact Credit Reporting Agencies to Correct an Incorrect Name on a Report?

Check your credit report annually for errors.

Credit reports play an important role in American society. Lenders often access credit information prior to approving a loan, landlords check credit before renting an apartment and some employers view credit before making a hiring decision. It's paramount that you ensure your credit report is accurate. If you have an incorrect name on your report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to dispute it with the bureaus and have it corrected.

Things You'll Need

• Credit report
• Dispute letter

Instructions

1. Order a copy of your credit report. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act gives consumers the right to order one free copy from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Congress set up a consumer website for this purpose. See the Resources section for a link. You can also request the report by phone or mail.

2. Print out a copy of your report if you ordered it online. FACTA allows for one free report, but if you don't print it out, the bureau may charge you a fee to view it later. It's also a good idea to keep a copy for your records.

3. Read the report and check the "personal information" section. Ascertain if the incorrect name still appears on the report. Updates to the bureau's database occur on a regular basis, so data may have changed.

4. Write a dispute letter to the credit bureau. In the letter, specify the name you want to change and the reason. According to Equifax, you must include a copy of your driver's license that reflects the name change. Keep in mind that you cannot dispute name changes online or by phone.

5. Wait up to 30 days for the bureaus to correct the error. Under the FCRA, bureaus must investigate your dispute and resolve errors within that time frame. Results of the investigation are sent via regular mail. Along with the results, the bureau will include a current copy of your credit report that shows the name correction.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the Federal Trade Commission, claims made by credit repair companies may be a scam. Hiring a company or person to make corrections on your report is unnecessary. You can do that yourself for free.

• Never check your credit report on a public or shared computer, or you risk becoming a victim of identity theft victim.

References

• Equifax: FCRA Summary of Rights
• Equifax: Dispute FAQs
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Sample Dispute Letter
• Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation: Credit Reports and Scores
• Federal Trade Commission: Credit Repair

Resources

• Federal Trade Commission: Free Annual Credit Reports
• Equifax: Home Page
• Experian: Home Page
• TransUnion: Home Page