Usually, consumers check their credit reports to ensure that credit reporting agencies are reporting tradelines and payment records correctly. But what can a consumer do when credit reporting agencies believe that he is dead and buried?
Denise, a regular reader of a popular financial blog is finding it hard to convince credit bureaus that she is very much alive. Everything was fine on her credit report until she closed one of her credit card accounts few months back. The customer care representative marked her 'deceased' instead of "customer closed account" by mistake. After she solved the matter with the credit card company, she sent a letter and her birth certificate to the credit bureau. Denise has clearly explained in the letter about the mistake made by the credit card company and the fact that she is alive. Three months have passed since then but she is still marked as deceased.
When the credit bureau was approached, the representatives said that they were trying to contact Danise. On the other hand, the public relation manager raised an important question - How did Danise come to know about the mistake? From the credit card company or from the credit report itself?
If Danise found the error from the credit card company, then there is only one solution. She should obtain an updated copy of her credit report as soon as possible. She would get the instructions on how to file a dispute with credit bureaus from there.
Have patience for at least 30 days
Danise need to wait for at least 30 days after sending the dispute letter. Usually, the dispute process is completed within 30 days. Sometimes, the process is completed even more quickly. The credit bureaus can't change the facts on Danise's credit report without having any idea about what she actually did. The credit bureaus need to investigate and come to a conclusion.
Once the 30 day period is over, Danise has to follow up with the credit bureau. For instance, she can send all the documents (that help to prove she is not dead) via certified mail with return receipt request. It is also important to keep all records of correspondence. For instance, she must note down the name of the representative with whom she had a conversation.
There is yet another solution too, and that is she can ask the credit card company representative to submit corrected information. Here too, she needs to retain all the records properly. Other than that, Danise should not forget to use certified mail.
If all her attempts to update her credit report with correct information fails, then the last weapon would be to register a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She can also get in touch with an attorney for proper advice and help.