Experian generates credit reports for entities interested in verifying the financial standing and reliability of an individual. Lenders and banks could use the credit report to:
- Determine if a loan application should be approved,
- Tenant screenings for apartment rental, or
- Background checks for employers.
You the right to request and review your credit report from each of the 3 major credit bureaus.
Unfortunately, when errors appear on your credit report, they generally carry serious consequences with them. If you identify items on your Experian report that should not be there, you should dispute them as soon as possible.
What Is On An Experian Credit Report?
Your Experian report holds information about your credit history. This includes:
- current credit lines,
- payment schedules. and
- and creditor inquiries.
In the case that you find an error on your Experian report, this could negatively impact your overall credit score.
What Are Common Errors Found On Experian Reports?
Some common errors you may find on an Experian credit report can include:
- Clerical Errors: these types of errors are very common and can impact your credit score.
- Mistaken/Merged Accounts: these happen when your account information is mixed up or replaced with someone else. Typically happens to people with similar names or addresses.
- Identity Theft: victims of identity theft will find accounts opened in their name that they have no prior knowledge of.
- Credit Report Claims You Are Deceased: this type of credit report error happens most often when either the SSA or creditor mistakenly reports you as dead, in result closing all of your accounts.
Just because errors are common, does not mean they are acceptable. All errors you find on your report should be handled immediately to avoid damage to your credit score.
How Do Mistakes On Your Experian Credit Report Impact You?
An error on your Experian report can negatively impact you and your credit. A few damages caused by an error on an Experian report include:
- Reduced credit score,
- Increased interest rates for your credit lines, like personal loans and credit cards,
- Increased insurance premiums,
- Potential job limitations/rejections,
- Loss of apartment/housing, or
- Credit application and loan applications denied.
Errors can cause lasting damage. That is why it’s essential to scan for errors on your Experian credit report. If you find an error, it’s important to dispute it.
Experian is obligated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to correct any disputed errors. If they fail to, you may be eligible for compensation/settlement.
How To Sue Experian for An Unsettled Dispute?
Once you have filed the dispute, Experian must:
- Verify the accuracy of the information being disputed, and
- Remove the error.
The FCRA provides credit bureaus a 30 day timeframe to provide the necessary information, failure to do so will grant you the right to take legal action against Experian. To move forward in a lawsuit, you will want to file a formal complaint and hire a consumer protection attorney.
Bottom Line
Errors on your Experian credit report can seriously damage your credit score and future opportunities. If you find errors in your credit report, it’s vital to file a dispute. If Experian does not respond to your dispute within the 30-day timeline, you would be able to take legal action.
