Mixed Credit Reports

WHAT IS A MIXED CREDIT REPORT?

A mixed credit file occurs when your credit file with credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, Transunion or Experian becomes mixed with another person’s.  This occurs because some aspect of your personal identify information – be it your social security or last name – is similar to another person’s.  Because Equifax, Transunion or Experian’s algorithms fail to distinguish your credit file from the other person’s credit file, they will sometimes improperly report information relating to another person’s credit file to yours.

HOW DOES ONE SPOT A MIXED CREDIT REPORT?

If you notice any trade-lines or information on your credit report which does not belong to you, then someone else’s credit information may be mixed in with yours.  If you see lines of credit such as credit cards, personal loans, or mortgages appearing on your credit report which do not belong to you, you may be a victim of a mixed file.

The mixed information can often greatly hurt your credit score, especially if it includes late payments, defaults, or bankruptcies which do not belong to you.  Moreover, even if the mixed information is not per se derogatory, the mixed information may negatively impact your debt-to income-ratios and drag your FICO score down.  Mixed credit information may in turn cause your credit applications to be denied, for your credit limits to be lowered, and/or for you to be forced to take credit out at much higher rates of interest.

CONTACT THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ATTORNEYS AT MARTIN & BONTRAGER, APC FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY

Many consumers will find that their efforts to dispute mixed credit information with Equifax, Transunion and Experian prove unsuccessful.  Martin & Bontrager, APC has helped many consumers fix and correct their mixed credit files and recover monetary damages from the credit bureaus who fail to correct these errors.  If you suspect your someone else’s credit information is mixed in with yours on your credit reports, contact us at  https://mblawapc.com/ or at 323-940-1700 for a free consultation today.