What data is being reported about me?

Find out for free (and how we can help you take action if it’s wrong).

Consumer reporting agencies exist to collect and sell data about consumers.  That includes you.  Most consumers are familiar with the big three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union — that report credit information.  But did you know that there are dozens upon dozens of specialty bureaus reporting information ranging from criminal background data, medical records, and housing history relating to tenants and landlords?

Why Should a Consumer Care about His or Her Consumer File?   In One Word: Errors.

These reporting agencies are notorious for reporting inaccurate information.  And your file often is referenced when you apply for credit, employment, housing, or insurance.  Errors in your file can lead to denials or unfavorable terms.

Obtaining Your Free File Disclosures

Part I — Obtaining Your Credit Reports for Free

For a form you can mail in to request your credit reports from annualcreditreport.com, please print the form on this webpage.

Part II — Obtaining Your Specialty Reporting Agency Files (in most cases, for free)

Here is your three-step action plan:

  1. Visit each company’s website and follow its instructions to obtain your free file disclosure.
  2. Review it carefully upon receipt.
  3. Contact us immediately if the disclosure contains inaccurate negative information about you.

Option 1: A list of available specialty consumer reporting agencies is available here:

http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201604_cfpb_list-of-consumer-reporting-companies.pdf

Option 2: The following list of direct links makes it easier for you to take advantage of your legal rights to (1) obtain the information in your consumer reports and (2) dispute report inaccuracies with companies as needed.

Experian, Equifax, Trans Union

Employment Screening

Medical

Low-income and subprime

Utilities

National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange

Retail

The Retail Equation

FAQs: Credit Reports

  • Personal Information (Header): This includes identifying details like your current and former names, addresses, phone numbers, and your employers.
  • Account History (Tradelines): This section details your credit accounts, such as credit cards, various loans, and any collection accounts.
  • Public Records: Where applicable, this covers information like bankruptcies.
  • Credit Inquiries: This is split into two types:
    • Hard Inquiries: These usually require your authorization and can potentially affect your credit score.
    • Soft Inquiries: These are often for promotional or account-review purposes and generally do not impact your score.

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each major bureau via AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing these reports is the only way to ensure your data is accurate.

If you notice any unfamiliar information, unrecognized accounts or inquiries, it could be a sign of identity theft or a “mixed file” (where your information is combined with someone else’s). You should immediately dispute this information with both the credit bureaus and the entity that provided the information (the furnisher). To support your dispute, you may need to file an identity theft report or a police report.

Yes. We help clients identify and dispute inaccurate credit reporting with the credit bureaus and furnisher using clear, document-supported disputes. If inaccurate information remains because a bureau fails to conduct a reasonable investigation or otherwise comply with the FCRA, our attorneys can evaluate whether legal action may be appropriate to enforce your rights.

Awards & Memberships

Super Lawyers
super lawyers rising stars badge 2016