The findings highlight the importance of checking your credit report.
Obtaining Your Free Credit Report
According to the FTC, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
To order your free credit report, visit annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
If You Find Errors, Dispute Them
If you find errors on your credit report, dispute them right away. Contact both the company and the credit reporting agency in writing about what you think is inaccurate. Credit reporting agencies must investigate the disputed information, usually within 30 days.
If that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov. They will review your complaint and update you along the way.
Resources
1. Federal Trade Commission – Disputing Errors on Credit Reports
2. AnnualCreditReport.com
3. Results of FTC Study