Does your credit report say that you’re dead? This shocking error, called an incorrect deceased indicator, is more common than you might think, and it can have a big impact on your credit score and overall creditworthiness. In some cases, only one or two of the Big Three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—may mistakenly think you’re deceased. For example, Equifax may report you as dead, while TransUnion doesn’t. Here’s why this error occurs, and what you should do to fix it.
Why Does My Credit Report Say I’m Dead?
If you’ve recently checked your credit only to find that you’re marked as deceased, it could be because one or more of the three national credit reporting companies mistakenly reported this information from one of your current or past accounts. Unfortunately, credit bureaus don’t need official proof to mark you as “dead.” All it takes is a false report of your death from a current or former credit account, and the credit bureaus can make this change to your credit history.
Even if you successfully remove the deceased indicator error from one credit reporting agency’s files—for example, TransUnion—many lenders won’t check all three agency’s records as they consider extending financing options to you. So, if Equifax thinks you’re dead, but TransUnion doesn’t agree, it can cause major snags and delays when you apply for a loan, mortgage, or any line of credit. In some cases, you can be denied credit entirely for the error, and it can even cause insurers to cancel your policies. Fixing the error—with all three credit bureaus—is essential when it comes to protecting your creditworthiness and your financial future.
What Does It Take to Fix This Mistake?
If your credit report contains an incorrect deceased indicator, it can be challenging to get it corrected. The process is time-consuming and often confusing, and typically requires phone calls and snail mail. Each bureau has a unique process for disputing this error, so you need to be sure to follow their directions entirely from the outset.
Each credit bureau needs proof of the error. They’ll want to know who incorrectly reported it and why, and they’ll also want proof of life like a copy of a government-issued ID or a current utility bill in your name. You must also contact the creditor who incorrectly reported information, alerting them to the matter and requesting that they submit an updated report to each credit bureau.
Confused yet? Disputing an incorrect deceased indicator is a challenge for every consumer who suffers from the error. It’s best to work with a dedicated team of expert credit dispute attorneys who know who to contact and what to do to remove this error quickly, for good. You’re protected under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and you may be entitled to financial compensation from credit bureaus or creditors for this error.
Remove an Incorrect Deceased Indicator and Protect Your Credit Today
Dealing with credit bureaus can be tedious and confusing. If you’ve been mistakenly marked as deceased on your credit report, don’t wait to act—your financial future depends on it. Contact the expert credit dispute attorneys at Boss Law today. Call us now at (727) 877-3188 for your free consultation, and we’ll get to work correcting the error and pursuing financial compensation for your case, whenever applicable.
