Credit education
How to dispute an account that is not yours
First determine whether the account is fraud, a mixed file with someone of a similar name, or a lender error. For fraud, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov and request an identity theft block under section 605B of the FCRA. For a mixed file or error, dispute in writing with each bureau reporting it and with the creditor, and include proof of your identity.
Disputes
Identify why the account is there
The cause determines the remedy.
Identity theft entries can be blocked within four business days with the right documents, a faster path than an ordinary dispute.
The short answer
First determine whether the account is fraud, a mixed file with someone of a similar name, or a lender error. For fraud, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov and request an identity theft block under section 605B of the FCRA. For a mixed file or error, dispute in writing with each bureau reporting it and with the creditor, and include proof of your identity.
Is it really not yours?
Check for store cards that report under a bank's name, accounts from a merged lender, and debts sold to a collector you have never heard of. If you still do not recognize it after that check, treat it as unauthorized.
If it is identity theft
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov, which generates an FTC Identity Theft Report. Send that report, proof of identity, and a statement identifying the fraudulent accounts to each bureau and request a block under section 605B. Consider a security freeze at all three bureaus.
If it is a mixed file
Mixed files occur when the bureau's matching logic merges your data with another person's, often a relative or someone with a similar name and Social Security number. Dispute both the accounts and the personal information that does not belong to you, because removing the account alone often lets it return.
Write a specific dispute
Identify the account by creditor and partial account number, state plainly that it is not yours and why, and enclose a copy of your identification and proof of address. Send by certified mail or upload documents through the bureau's portal and keep copies.
Common questions
How do I dispute a fraudulent account?
File an Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov, then send it to each bureau with proof of identity and request an identity theft block of the listed accounts.
What is a mixed credit file?
A file in which another person's accounts or personal details have been combined with yours, usually because of similar names or identifiers.
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