Errors on your credit report can damage your credit score, raise interest rates, affect your credit history, and even impact housing or employment approvals. When inaccurate information appears on your consumer credit report, federal law gives you the right to challenge it—but only if you follow the proper process under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). A strong credit report dispute forces credit bureaus to reinvestigate, correct incorrect account numbers, remove negative information, and update your file accurately.
Welcome to Aronow Law, P.C.
Aronow Law represents consumers across New York in matters involving credit reporting errors, identity theft, and disputes against credit bureaus. Whether you’re dealing with a collection agency, incorrect public record entries, or mixed consumer credit information, our firm ensures your rights are protected.
What Is a Credit Report Dispute?
A credit report dispute is a written request asking a credit bureau—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion—to correct inaccurate information. Your consumer credit report includes account numbers, payment history, collection activity, public record information, and other data that must be reported accurately under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
If a credit reporting agency provides inaccurate information, outdated details, or unverifiable data, you have the legal right to request an investigation.
Common Errors New Yorkers Find on Their Credit Reports
When clients contact our office, they often report issues such as:
- Wrong account numbers
- Accounts that never belonged to them
- Negative information that is outdated
- Incorrect balances or payment histories
- Duplicate tradelines
- Free credit reports showing conflicting information
- Collection agency accounts misreporting dates
- Public record items that are not theirs
- Consumer credit information mixed with another person’s file
- Incorrect personal identifiers, including Social Security Number variations
If these errors remain uncorrected, credit bureaus may continue to share inaccurate information with lenders and insurers.
How to Write a Bulletproof Credit Report Dispute
To force action from the credit reporting agencies, your dispute must be clear, documented, and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
1. Get fresh copies of your free credit reports
Under federal law, you can obtain free credit reports annually from all three credit bureaus. Review each carefully, because inaccurate information may appear on only one report.
2. Identify all incorrect or unverifiable entries
Check the following sections for errors:
- Report information
- Account numbers
- Dates opened/closed
- Balances
- Personal identifiers
- Collection agency reports
- Public record entries
Even small mistakes can damage your credit score.
3. Gather supporting evidence
Depending on the type of inaccurate information, you may need:
- Proof of payment
- Fraud reports
- ID and Social Security Number documentation
- Bankruptcy discharge papers
- Settlement letters
- Police reports (identity theft)
- Court documents
- Copies of your credit reports with markings
Strong documentation forces the credit reporting agencies to act.
4. Submit a written dispute—not just an online form
Online disputes often limit your rights and make it harder to pursue legal action.
A written dispute letter provides:
- Full details of inaccurate information
- Additional information and evidence
- A traceable paper trail
- Proof of compliance under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
5. Track deadlines and bureau responses
Credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate and correct or delete unverifiable data. If they fail to respond properly, they may be in violation of the FCRA.
Why DIY Disputes Often Get Denied
Consumers often assume credit bureaus thoroughly review their evidence. In reality:
- Most disputes are handled through automated systems
- Credit bureaus often send only brief electronic codes—not your documents—to furnishers
- Collection agencies may “verify” information without proper review
- Negative information stays even if it’s incorrect
A lawyer—like Darren Aronow—can demand real investigations, pursue liability, and ensure compliance with both federal and state requirements.
When You Should Call a Lawyer Instead of Disputing Alone
You should seek legal help if:
- A bureau continues reporting inaccurate information
- Your report includes incorrect public record data
- Identity theft affects your credit report
- Your Social Security Number is mixed with someone else’s
- Your credit history shows business or commercial credit information that doesn’t belong to you
- A collection agency reports false balances
- Disputes are repeatedly “verified” without proper investigation
Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation with attorney Darren Aronow today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I start a credit report dispute?
Get copies of your credit reports, identify inaccurate information, and send a formal written dispute to each credit bureau.
2. Do credit reporting agencies always fix the errors?
No. They often claim information was “verified,” even when it’s wrong. A lawyer may need to challenge the result.
3. How does a dispute affect my credit score?
Fixing inaccurate information usually improves your credit score, especially if negative information is removed.
4. What personal information must I include?
Only your name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number are required.
5. How often should I check my credit?
Monitor your credit reports at least three times per year, especially after identity theft or inaccurate reporting.
6. What if a collection agency provides incorrect data?
They can be held accountable under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other consumer protection laws.
7. Can public record mistakes be disputed?
Yes. Incorrect bankruptcies, judgments, or liens must be removed if inaccurate or outdated.
8. Can commercial transactions or business loans show up on my personal report?
They should not. If commercial accounts appear on your consumer credit report, contact a lawyer immediately.
