Fix Credit Report Errors

Even bad credit people can get a guaranteed personal loan with no credit check.

Does the furnisher have to notify me if it decides that my dispute is frivolous or irrelevant? Yes. The furnisher must notify you in writing if it decides that your direct dispute is frivolous or irrelevant. The notice must be sent within five business days of the determination.

The bank will send the notice by mail unless you have agreed to receive electronic communications.

The notice must include the reasons for the decision and identify any information that you would need to submit in order for the furnisher to investigate the disputed information.

What is a frivolous or irrelevant dispute? A dispute is frivolous or irrelevant if:

* the consumer did not provide enough information to investigate the disputed information;

* the direct dispute is substantially the same as a dispute previously submitted by the consumer or by someone else for the consumer and the furnisher has already satisfied the applicable requirement of the Act; or

* the furnisher is not required to investigate the dispute because one or more exceptions listed in the regulation applies.

I disputed adverse credit information appearing on my credit report with the furnisher. The furnisher determined that the reported information is accurate. How can I add a consumer statement to my profile? You will need to contact the consumer reporting agency and notify them of the dispute. If the reinvestigation does not resolve the issue, you may file a brief statement summarizing the dispute. The statement should be one hundred words or less. The information will be provided when ever your credit report is requested.

My (husband/wife) has passed away. I don't have a credit history established in my name. How can I get a bank credit card? Banks normally require an applicant for a major credit card to have established credit. So the first step is to establish a credit history in your name.

This could be in the form of an oil company, major department store, or other type of revolving credit account. (These accounts are usually easier to obtain than bank credit card accounts.)

Once you obtain one of these cards, use them on a regular basis to buy items you can afford. Be sure to make your monthly payments on or before the due date.

After one or two of these accounts have been established for a reasonable length of time (1 to 2 years), you may wish to apply for a bank credit card. When completing the application, provide as much information as possible, including the account numbers and addresses of all creditors

I believe I have been a victim of identity theft. How can I clear my name? If you think your identity has been stolen, take these steps ASAP:

* Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. (As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts.)

* Once you have placed the alert, you can order a free copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus. The special toll-free numbers for the fraud departments are: Equifax (1-888-766-0008), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and Trans Union (1-800-680-7289).

* Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts.

* File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

* File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps the FTC learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that we can better assist you. Call toll-free 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).

The FTC also maintains the U.S. government's central Web site for information about identity theft.

I received correspondence or a solicitation from a company (nonbanking company not affiliated with a national bank). How can I tell if this company is legitimate? The OCC regulates national banks. Our agency would not have information on a nonbanking company not affiliated with a national bank.

We suggest that you contact your State's Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State's attorney general, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-382-4357.