Identity Theft on Your Credit Report? The Law Says It Must Be Blocked
When someone uses your identity, the damage shows up on your credit report as accounts, inquiries and collections you never had. The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives identity theft victims a special right: once you send the right paperwork, the credit bureau must block the fraudulent information.
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Other Credit Report Problems
Errors often come in groups. Check your report for these too.
All Credit Report Errors
The full guide to fixing your credit report under the FCRA.
Read moreCollection Account You Don't Owe
A collector reports a debt that isn't yours, the wrong amount, or doesn't show it's disputed.
Read moreDispute Ignored or "Verified"
You disputed the error and the bureau rubber-stamped it, ignored you, or put it back.
Read moreSomeone Else's Accounts (Mixed File)
A relative's or stranger's accounts mixed into your file because of a similar name or number.
Read moreWrong Balance, Late Payment or Old Debt
Paid accounts showing a balance, late payments you didn't make, or debts past 7 years.
Read moreHow Identity Theft Shows Up on Your Report
These are the signs to look for on each of your three credit reports.
Accounts You Never Opened
Credit cards, loans, phone or utility accounts in your name that you didn't apply for.
Inquiries You Didn't Authorize
Hard inquiries from lenders you never applied with.
Collections for Someone Else's Debt
A collector reporting a debt the thief ran up.
Addresses and Names You Don't Know
Strange addresses, name spellings or employers in the personal information section.
Bureau Won't Block the Accounts
You sent your identity theft report and the fraud is still there.
Fraud Accounts Come Back
The accounts were removed, then reappeared on your report.
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StartDispute Letter Builder
A free, ready-to-mail dispute letter for Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, including an identity theft block request.
StartCollection Dispute Letter Builder
A free letter asking a collector to prove the debt and report it as disputed.
StartYour Rights as an Identity Theft Victim
Under the FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c-2), a credit bureau must block information that resulted from identity theft within 4 business days after you send proof of identity, an identity theft report, the items to block, and a statement that they aren't yours. If a bureau or reporting company fails its duties, the FCRA's remedies apply.
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Learn your rights
Read our free identity theft credit report guides to understand what the law says about your situation.
Tell us what happened
Use the form or call us. Share the basics: who you're dealing with, what happened, and any letters or dispute results you have.
We review your request
If it looks like you may have a claim, we connect you with Consumer Action Law Group, an independent consumer protection law firm, which may handle it or refer you to another attorney.
You decide
An attorney explains your options. You are never obligated to hire anyone, and the review is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about identity theft and your credit report.
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Bureau Won't Block the Fraud?
Identity theft victims have strong rights under the FCRA. Get your free, no-obligation case review.