![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.consumerslaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Image-Distressed-Black-Woman-1024x683.jpg\")
Credit reports impact many aspects of our lives.\u00a0 Whether we want to apply for a mortgage, obtain a car loan or credit card, rent an apartment or apply for a job, we must prove to a prospective creditor or employer, that we are financially responsible.\u00a0 Our credit report shows the history of our accounts and illustrates whether we may be a good credit risk.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Transunion, Experian and Equifax are the three main credit bureaus. Although the bureaus report similar information, the actual reports may look different.\u00a0 But, there is common information that appears on each.\u00a0 As you review your report, look for sections that contain the following information.<\/p>\r\n
Personal Information<\/strong> Consumers are entitled to obtain one free credit report from each bureau every twelve months.\u00a0 Make sure that the information is accurate. If you haven\u2019t checked your report recently, learn how to request one for free<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Credit reporting errors are common.\u00a0 If you notice that\u00a0 information is not listed correctly, send a written dispute to the credit bureau by Certified Mail Return Receipt.\u00a0 If the bureau does not correct the error, your consumer rights may have been violated.<\/p>\r\n
Your name and all variations of your name
Your current and former addresses
Social Security Number
Date of Birth
Phone Numbers
Current and former employers
Spouse or Co-Applicant on an account<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n
Every new credit report will list a current date. It is important to reference the report date when disputing an item on the report.<\/li>\r\n
Every credit report will list a report number.\u00a0 It is important to reference this number when disputing a listing.<\/li>\r\n
These accounts reflect a history of on time, as agreed payments.\u00a0 Once an account is closed or paid off, it may continue to appear on the credit report for up to ten years.<\/li>\r\n
The most common items in this section are late payments, accounts that have been charged off or sent to collection, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments.<\/li>\r\n
The legend is a code that is used to identify each account and its status, for example whether the payments are being made on time as agreed, 30-60-90-120-150 -180 days past due, if there is a repossession, charge off, collection, etc.<\/li>\r\n
The credit bureaus will make your credit history available to current and prospective creditors and employers, but only with your approval. Typically, these companies have requested\u00a0your credit information as a result of an action you took, such as applying for credit or financing, a job application, or as a result of a collection.
Unrecognizable Inquiries<\/strong>
Sometimes unfamiliar inquiries may appear on a credit report.
These requests may come from sources with a permissible purpose, such as:\u00a0
– a current creditor offering new credit or a new product
– a current creditor monitoring your account
– an employer wishing to extend an employment offer
– a potential investor assessing risk
– an end user to complete your mortgage application
– insurance underwriting (auto or home)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nObtain your Free Credit Report<\/h3>\r\n
Seek Legal Help\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.consumerslaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/AMM-CLF-JLJ-at-conf-table-8-2017-300x197.jpg\")
Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents people who have been denied credit for a home, auto or personal loan, or possibly a job opportunity or promotion, due to a negative listing on a credit report.<\/p>\r\n