How Others Can Affect Your Credit Report
You are on a clean slate with your credit; all of your loans are paid off, you never miss any payments, and you have never came close to going over your credit limit. Suddenly, when you get your first credit report you get an abrupt smack in the mouth as you realize that it definitely does not make sense. Not only could your report have gotten confused with a relative or someone with a similar name, but it could be a result of identity theft miles away.
Sadly, individuals aside from you can play a factor in your credit report. There are many different ways this can happen - usually through identity theft or identification mistakes. No matter how bad the damage may seem, just relax and figure out exactly what is going on in the report.
If your credit report has been mixed up or intertwined with someone who has not kept up with payments; it is okay. This is something that happens to a lot of people and is a common mistake. When this happens it gives more reasons of why you should always apply to get credit reports on a more frequent basis. However when you are ready to get it sorted out; just pick out everything on the report that you did not do and dispute it.
The second big thing is the pre-adult credit cards. When you were in high school and your parents gave you a credit card with your name on it for gas and food - those concert tickets were never part of the deal. So instead of paying the bill, they cancel the card and those debts still linger. Now that comes back to haunt you. Do not be too concerned as these can be disputed and often times taken off with patience and time.
Then there is the most feared possibility - identity theft. Identity theft, unlike your accidental mix up with a closely related name; is completely intentional. They are stealing your funding without you ever knowing, until now. Report this instantly and dispute all the charges as this is not only a credit score problem but a legal problem.
A great way to start is to look at your bank account and your credit cards to check and see if anything has ever been taken out without your approval. Say you see something you did not buy or money you did not take out - contact the bank or card company immediately. That way you can put a stop to the withdrawals or spending and hopefully catch the person responsible.
You can also file reports with your state and the Federal Trade Commission regarding the fraudulent claims on your credit. By filing, you prove to the credit reporting agency that you are serious about these claims, and you may also protect others from facing the same problems you have.
Finally, now that you know all the ways that people can affect your credit score, be careful with your info. Privacy matters, especially when it comes to your finances. Talk to your credit card companies and banks about the best ways to keep your identity safe. - 16931
Sadly, individuals aside from you can play a factor in your credit report. There are many different ways this can happen - usually through identity theft or identification mistakes. No matter how bad the damage may seem, just relax and figure out exactly what is going on in the report.
If your credit report has been mixed up or intertwined with someone who has not kept up with payments; it is okay. This is something that happens to a lot of people and is a common mistake. When this happens it gives more reasons of why you should always apply to get credit reports on a more frequent basis. However when you are ready to get it sorted out; just pick out everything on the report that you did not do and dispute it.
The second big thing is the pre-adult credit cards. When you were in high school and your parents gave you a credit card with your name on it for gas and food - those concert tickets were never part of the deal. So instead of paying the bill, they cancel the card and those debts still linger. Now that comes back to haunt you. Do not be too concerned as these can be disputed and often times taken off with patience and time.
Then there is the most feared possibility - identity theft. Identity theft, unlike your accidental mix up with a closely related name; is completely intentional. They are stealing your funding without you ever knowing, until now. Report this instantly and dispute all the charges as this is not only a credit score problem but a legal problem.
A great way to start is to look at your bank account and your credit cards to check and see if anything has ever been taken out without your approval. Say you see something you did not buy or money you did not take out - contact the bank or card company immediately. That way you can put a stop to the withdrawals or spending and hopefully catch the person responsible.
You can also file reports with your state and the Federal Trade Commission regarding the fraudulent claims on your credit. By filing, you prove to the credit reporting agency that you are serious about these claims, and you may also protect others from facing the same problems you have.
Finally, now that you know all the ways that people can affect your credit score, be careful with your info. Privacy matters, especially when it comes to your finances. Talk to your credit card companies and banks about the best ways to keep your identity safe. - 16931
About the Author:
To find out exactly how you can get your annual credit report visit my credit report website.
posted by Edgar at
01:24
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