Posts Tagged Equifax

Disputing Duplicate Items On Your Credit Report

Duwayne Mcclendon asked:




When you are repairing you want to make sure all information is correct and there are no duplicate items on your credit report. I had noticed an old HSBC Tax Advance showing on my report twice, one was listed as being current with a $0 balance and the other had a balance of $441 and 120 days late! I had seen this on my report and at first was just going to wait it out until the 120 day late listing was updated to current with hopes my score would be higher with two accounts listed as current.

Today my patience got the best of me, I called Transunion which was the listing agency for the duplicate accounts and requested a deletion. At first the operator said “ok sir I will place the duplicate account for dispute,” I immediately told him I did not want to place a dispute but for him to delete the duplicate listing now. It was in my favor that both accounts had the same account number and that the 120 day listing was updated 11/2007 and the current listing was showing updated 12/2007.

After about 5 minutes the representative for Transunion confirmed the duplicate listing had been removed and if I needed any more assistance. I kindly thanked the representative of Transunion and proceeded to complete my daily credit pull from TrueCredit. WOO HOO! Account deleted and my score jumped 14 points!

When you are repairing your credit be persistent and make sure you have all your facts regarding the accounts when you call or write any of the three credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, Transunion). You have to legitimately prove the account is reporting improperly for the credit bureau to remove the listing for them to remove it.

Anne

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Removing Derogatory Credit Information From Your Credit Reports

Bob Pering asked:




Removing derogatory credit information from your credit reports is the fastest thing you can do to raise your credit scores. Credit bureaus are known for the amount of inaccurate information in credit files, so check your reports regularly and be relentless in removing derogatory credit information in your files.

Start by getting a copy of your credit report. By law you may obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit agencies: Equifax, Transunion, and Experian. You can request your report from each by locating them online. Or you can request a report from all three agencies at one time by sending your written request to the Annual Credit Report Request Service at PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348.

Once you have copies of your credit report, examine each of them carefully for mistakes and errors.

Removing derogatory credit information in your files begins by disputing errors in your credit reports. Gather any supporting documentation you can find, such as credit card statements or canceled checks. You can dispute items in your credit report if you do not have documentation, but it’s easier when you can back up your disputes with paperwork.

Write a letter to the credit bureau explaining why the deputed item is inaccurate, and include copies of your documentation. Hand write your dispute letter, or, write the letter on your computer. You will have much better success this way, versus using a ready-made dispute form you find on the internet. Be sure to send all communications by certified mail, return receipt requested.

Once the credit bureau receives your dispute letter, the bureau will request verification from the creditor. If the credit bureau does not receive notice back from the creditor in thirty days that your dispute has been denied, removing the disputed information from your report is automatic. You will receive a new copy of your report which will show the disputed item(s) removed.

Should the creditor deny your dispute, file again the following month. Be insistent that they verify your claim. Ask them to send you the name and phone number of the person that verified your claim so you may call them. You are entitled to know why they have denied your dispute and for what reason.

Credit bureaus are known for the amount of inaccurate information in credit files, so check your reports regularly and be relentless in removing derogatory credit information in your files. Removing derogatory credit information from your credit reports is the fastest way to raise your credit scores.

Bradley

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

How Can I Remove Late Payments From My Credit Report?

Jesse B. Smith asked:




This is a frequently asked question. With tough times upon us, more and more people are finding it difficult to get their bills paid on time. This, in turn, means that these same people are reported to the credit reporting agencies as late and the late payment is reported to lenders who request your credit report.

A “late payment” as the term implies is any payment on a credit associated account which is received by the creditor after the due date. The only thing that matters is that the payment was late. It does not matter if the payment was one day late or thirty days late, it is still considered late. Additionally, you will be charged a late payment penalty on any payment made after the due date and these are normally pretty stiff penalties.

To remove overdue payments from your credit report, you will need to obtain a copy of your credit report. You can do this by contacting one of the three credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. These companies are legally required to provide you with one copy of your credit report every twelve months.

Though the credit reports may vary slightly in their layout, they all contain the same types of information. You should be able to easily and quickly ascertain how each credit report lists entries showing overdue payments and should report the number of late payments you have made over a given period of years.

Though, consumers understand that making payments late is not a good thing, they normally don’t understand the far-reaching consequences. Payment punctuality can count for over 30% of your total credit score. Because of this, late payments can severely affect credit applications which you submit to a lender.

The first thing you can try in order to remove late payments from your credit report is to contact the creditor directly and ask that it remove the overdue payments. This is often successful, however, if you habitually make late payments, it may be less likely.

If contacting the creditor is unsuccessful, you should write the credit reporting bureau that reports the overdue payment and request that the late notation be removed. You should include documentation which proves your claim and be sure to retain copies of all correspondence to and from the credit bureau. If the credit bureau cannot verify within 30 days that the payment was late, it must remove the entry.

Of course, it is always easier to try to stop the situation from occurring in the first place. If you know you will be late paying a bill, contact the creditor and explain the situation to them. Many times creditors will work with you to agree on a payment plan.

Any legitimate late payment entry can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. Instead of letting this cause havoc with your credit score, work with your creditors to keep the late payment from showing up on your credit report.

Antonio

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Free Triple Score – Protecting Your Credit Check Report Rating From Identity Theft

Marc Marseille asked:




Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. The effects of identity theft can be a very hurtful experience that mostly occurs during the important moments of your life. Many victims of identity theft do not even realize that someone or in some cases several people have been violating them by getting access to their personal credit bureau report. Protecting your credit bureau report can easily be achieved by getting a copy of your free triple score from all three credit bureaus.

Your free triple score report will provide you with all the information you have reporting with all three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union. Once you have received your credit bureau report, it is crucial that you do a thorough investigation to make sure that all your information is reporting correctly. If you find that you have been a victim of identity fraud, the best thing to do in that situation is to seek professional legal help through a reputable credit attorney.

It is unfortunate if you find yourself dealing with the situation of having your identity stolen, but there several steps you can take to prevent identity theft before it happens. The first step is to arm yourself with identity protection. Many credit card companies offer identity protection through a small monthly fee on your credit card, but if you have several credit cards, you may want to consider getting a more universal identity protection policy. Getting a universal identity protection policy includes using a company that works hand in hand with the 3 credit bureaus to create a lock on your credit bureau report.

Once you’ve create a lock on your credit report, no one can make any purchases using your information without having to verify some very vital information. To secure yourself even further, it is important to shred all important personal information before disposing of them. Information that should be shredded is bank statements, credit card statements, and anything that shows your Social Security Number.

Another precaution you can take is to never give your Social Security Number over the internet through an unsecured server. One way to find out if the website you are viewing is insecure is by looking at your browser window. All secure internet websites start with https: and not just http:. To make it even safer to surf the internet, you should get virus protection, spyware and a reliable internet explorer like Firefox.

My last recommendation to protection your free triple score report sounds simple enough, but a lot of people fall victim to it everyday; you should never give your Social Security Number over the telephone to a company you do not trust. Unless you have a long lasting relationship with a certain company, it is better to deal in person. If you must give sensitive information over the phone such as banking, try to establish a relationship with one particular individual in that department before you do so.

Cynthia

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

How To Write Letters To Remove Information Off Your Credit Report

Tim Gorman asked:




Many people who look into their reports find that their credit information has errors and those errors usually affect your credit negatively.

Maintaining an accurate score sometimes requires us to be pro-active, and we must write letters to remove information off our credit report. These are sent to the big 3 credit bureaus. Although in many cases the first thing most people want to do is to call the Credit Bureau and tell them off, this would be counterproductive. Instead the best method would be to sit down and write a credit report dispute letter.

You should read your credit report, take notes as to what you consider the problem areas are and think whether what’s on the report could actually be true. If, in finding that what’s on the report is false, you need to think through how you’re going to word your letters to remove info off credit report. You’re going to have to send a copy of this letter to each of the three main credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Be polite and state facts as you see them. See example letter below.

Dear (credit bureau name here),

After looking at a copy of my credit file, I found that it contained erroneous information. I would like to dispute this information and request a correction. I am concerned about the information that you have put in my credit report as it could seriously impair the credit rating I enjoy with lending institutions.

You have not (state the problem here).

Be sure to include the month, and the date, and the name of the business.

I am enclosing a photocopy of my cancelled check as proof of my payment. Hopefully, this will correct the accuracy of my credit file. As you are certainly aware of, the credit bureaus are only allowed to use accurate information in a consumer’s credit file.

Thank you for correcting the above errors to insure that it doesn’t impair my personal credit. Please contact me as soon as the correction has been made and my credit report is again accurate. Please send a copy of my credit report to: (place mailing address here).

Yours,

(Your name)

Be sure to include your full name as listed in your credit report, address, Social Security number, copy of your driver’s license, copy of the credit report, and copy of your proof, i.e. cancelled check.

Be sure to retain a copy of whatever you send to each credit bureau. Make a note of the date that you mail your letters to remove info off credit report. Using certified or registered mail is a good idea, as this will give you proof of the mailing date.

Joan

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Why is there such a variance in credit scores from the 3 credit bureaus?

K.C. asked:


I know that the credit bureaus have diffrent scoring systems but why is there such a diffrence betwwen the three…..Transunion is usally my highest at 645…Experian at 630…..Equifax at 592….my Equifax credit score has stayed put for some time now while the others keep going up—- does anyone know why and how can I get my Equifax in the 600 range…

FYI All my credit reports from the bureaus contain the same accurate info

Deborah

, , , , , , , , ,

6 Comments

Credit Bureau – Best Bureau Revealed?

Justin Fox asked:




Credit Bureau – Did you know that over 75% of Americans don’t know their Credit Score! and 20% have never even seen their Credit Score!

Do you know what is the best Credit Bureau? and what other services you made need? I was in your same situation, I’ve done your homework for you so you don’t have to.

But first, Congratulations!, you are looking for your credit report and interested in your credit score. That means you are ahead of most people and can therefore get ahead in like, by fixing your score and getting that great loan. A good Credit Report is one of the most important things in life.

Ok, where to start?

Start at the start, You need to know about the 3 American Credit Report Bureaus – they are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You need to get all three of your Credit reports from each bureau, make sure you get all 3, as your credit report will be different for each bureau.

This is because your past lenders and other personal details only get reported to one of the bureaus and you don’t know which one – to get all your info you need to get all three and then correct any wrong information and call back the bureaus to make sure they are updated and consistent.

Here’s some tips and info about each Credit Bureau

Experian

If offers your own Bureau Credit Report and employs over 15,500 people in 36 counties. Founded in 1986. They have a good knowledge-about website with a Financial centre to ask specific information.

Customer Review are very favorable. You will find they have a 5 star rating on Consumer Intelligence website ciao.com. Go to this site to get additional info, this is where you can find further information.

A point to note is that they have created each customer with a password to limit internet fraud on your account.

Equifax

Equifax offers your own Bureau Credit Report and is slightly smaller then Experian in revenue and employers.

They started in 1899 and state that technological innovation has provided powerful solutions to their customers. epioions.com they have a 2 and a half rating out of five. so not the best rating.

Customer service is only two out of five. There have been a few reports and disputes. A user has said that their printed on-line reports are incomplete. Note that they have many FCRA violations.

TransUnion

Originated in 1968 and have headquarters in Chicago USA. We are talking large in size, they maintain Credit Reports for over 500 Million people. On the shopping review site eopinions.com they are rated brilliant five out of five. There top benefits include a easy and simple to order website. Their information’s easy to view and understand.

I hope this article provides you with a few tips and gives you some good advice that will make you and expert on your own Bureau Credit Report for a strong finical future.

For more advice and information on Credit Score and Credit Reports click on www.credit-reporter.net [http://www.credit-reporter.net]

Herman

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Credit Report Dispute – Tips, Secrets and FAQ’s

Justin Fox asked:




Credit report dispute a personal experience. My name is Justin and I had to dispute my Credit report, let me give you some free tips and advice.

I found errors and outdated information on my credit report, If I did not fix this fast it could have severely damaged my credit score. If you are in the same position, don’t delay as you could hit with permanent credit score damage. Did you know that 79% of all credit reports contain errors! Yes, your not alone. A whopping 79% of all credit reports contain some type of report error. Did yo also know that up to 25% contain errors, this will most likely result in credit denials. Also, it could mean hiked interest rates and a direct loss employment opportunities!

Act Fast – But Smart So many of the great things in your life are related your personal credit score. From the street that you live on and even to the car that you drive. Actually, everything in your life is affected by your credit score.

Don’t Delay You need to write to the Credit Bureau and solve any errors as soon as possible. Let’s look at what you need to do.

What are the actions I need to take? You might already have a copy of your credit report as you know you have an error or mistake on your report and want to dispute it, Even if you do have a copy you need all three copies form the 3 credit report bureaus.

Best to get a 3 in 1 report as this will save time and money. Here are the prices:

Equifax, Get 3-in-1 Credit Report with Score Power $39.95 Experian – 3 Bureau Credit Report and PLUS Score for $34.95 TransUnion – A 3-in-1 Credit Report with FREE for $29.95
So, What’s the Process of disputing a claim? Easy!, just follow these helpful tips for a dispute:

Make sure you put everything in writing. Be sure to dispute each item in a separate letter. Include your name, address and Social Security number for verification. It’s wise to send all letters certified mail and return receipt requested. Be sure to make copies for your files. Don’t give up, be persistent and write several demand letters may be necessary. Know that credit bureaus are required to show disputed items as “Disputed” on your credit report. Provide enough information for the credit bureau to conduct their investigation. Finally, know that once negative items are removed you can request (make sure this is done, it’s very important) the credit bureau to send correction notices to anyone who has received your credit report in the past six months (two years for employment purposes).

If your dispute request unsuccessful? Do this: Send a “Statement of Dispute” – This will demonstrate that all your attempts at resolving the dispute have failed. So, file a dispute with the credit bureau’s National Consumer Assistance Center. For you to enter such a dispute just call the telephone number which included with your credit report or complete a “Reinvestigation Request” Consumer Response Center, FCRA, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580

A final word, be warned about Illegal disputes It is considered illegal for you to change your social security number to obtain a clean bill of credit. so take not that If any company might suggest this type of credit repair be sure to report them to the authorities.

I sincerely hope that this article gives you with a few tips and provides you some good advice on filing a credit report dispute.

To get more advice and information on credit report dispute, or Credit Score and Credit Reports click on a www.credit-reporter.net [http://www.credit-reporter.net]

Daniel

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

How Your FICA Score Effects Your Personal Credit History

Gerald Washam asked:




Understand Your Credit

Trying to understand how credit works can be frustrating. Most people do not even know where to begin when trying to identify their personal credit rating. There are three major credit bureaus that report your credit status. These three credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. All three also keep your FICA or credit score. This score can give you the best idea of how your credit ranks.

FICA…What Is It?

FICA scores range from 375 to 900. In general, the higher your credit score the better you will be able to obtain credit. A FICA score under 620 makes obtaining credit difficult. You should identify what your score is and if it isn’t a good number you should then work on making it better. Creditors use your FICA score to determine whether to give you credit and sometimes base interest rates on this score. It is a very important number to know.

Your FICA Score

To determine your credit score you should request your credit report from the three major credit bureaus. The new legislation passed that allows you one free credit report every twelve months does not require the credit bureau to give you your FICA score, so you will probably have to pay for these reports. The contact information for each bureau is as follows:
Equifax 800-685-1111 http://www.equifax.com

Experian 888-397-3742 http://www.experian.com

TransUnion 800-916-8800 http://www.transunion.com


You should receive a copy of your personal credit report that includes your FICA score. Your FICA score is listed along with a comparison to the general population. This lets you know where you fall on the scale from excellent to poor. The credit bureau may include information as to why your score is not higher. Once you have your score you can then determine what you need to do to make it higher.

Raising Your Score

Some simple things can be done to help raise your FICA score. Paying your bills on time, keeping a small amount of unused credit available, keeping your debt low, and avoid inquires to your credit report can all help improve your credit score. Some things like, length of credit history, length of time on your job, and length of time at residence are things you can do nothing about, but that will also affect your FICA score. Practicing good credit methods will help you to obtain a better FICA score.

If you are worried about your personal credit you should really check out your FICA score. Then work to improve it. It may take time, but everyone has the ability to have good credit.

Stella

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Which Credit Bureau Should I Use To Check My Credit Report?

Beth Pardue asked:




There are three main credit bureaus in the United States; Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Each bureau collects your personal and financial information which is then sold to lenders such as banks, credit unions, credit card companies, mortgage and auto loan lenders. Your credit report is the product of this collected information. Lending and credit companies use your credit information to determine if they will approve you or not and at what interest rate you will pay.

Many people are recognizing the importance of checking their own credit report to verify its accuracy and to make sure that they know where they stand in the credit world. Until they begin the process to obtain a copy of their credit report, some people do not realize that they actually have three credit reports instead of just one. The three main credit bureaus keep separate credit records from one another and produce their own credit reports. Instead of the credit bureaus working together and sharing information among themselves like some people may think, they are actually competitors. That is why the information provided on one credit report will more than likely be different from the information provided on the credit report from another credit bureau. Therefore, it is recommended to check your credit report from all three credit bureaus in order to see the complete picture.

There are a couple of options to checking all three of your credit reports. You can contact each of the credit bureaus individually to request a copy. Or you can go through one of the many companies that provide a 3-in-1 credit report like [http://www.credit-report-credit-score.com]. Obtaining a 3-in-1 credit report is usually more convenient and user friendly to the consumer compared to requesting individual copies.

Verifying the data on all three of your credit reports is the only way to know that the information that potential lenders and creditors are evaluating you on is correct. When considering you for a loan, some lenders will pull your credit report from only one or two of the credit bureaus while other lenders will pull your credit report from all three. It is always a good idea to check your credit reports BEFORE applying for your next big purchase. Covering your bases beforehand can often times save you a lot of time and hassle during the application process.

————————-

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the authors bio paragraph at the bottom of this article is included, the article is published “as is” (unedited) and all URL’s are made active hyperlinks with no syntax changes.

————————-

Jon

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments