How to Remove Accounts from Your Credit Report Caused by Mistaken Identity and Fraud

Discovering an account on your credit report that you never opened is a violating and frightening experience. It’s a clear sign that your personal information has been compromised, either through a simple clerical error that mixed your file with someone else’s or through the malicious intent of an identity thief. 

The immediate effects can be devastating: 

• Plummeting credit scores
• Denied applications
• The sinking feeling that your financial identity is no longer your own 

In this moment, it’s crucial to remember that you are the victim of this error, not the cause of it. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants you the right to have inaccurate and fraudulent information removed, and a specific, assertive process exists to cleanse your report and restore your financial health.

Fixing these errors requires a more aggressive approach than disputing a simple late payment. You are not just questioning data; you are proving a case of misidentification or fraud. This means your actions need to be precise, documented, and sometimes involve more than just the credit bureaus. Acting quickly and methodically is key to limiting the damage and reclaiming control of your financial narrative.

To remove accounts resulting from mistaken identity or fraud, follow this action plan:

• Freeze Your Credit. 
  
  • Your first move is to prevent further damage. Initiate a credit freeze, which locks your credit file so no new accounts can be opened without your express permission using a PIN.
• Obtain and Review Your Credit Reports. 
  
  • Get your free reports and identify every fraudulent account or inquiry. Create a detailed list including the creditor’s name, account number, and amount.
• File an Identity Theft Report. 
  
  • This is a critical document. Report the fraud and generate an official Identity Theft Report. This report supercharges your disputes and provides you with additional peace of mind.
• Dispute with the Credit Bureaus. 
  
  • Send a separate dispute letter to each bureau reporting the fraudulent account. Clearly state that the account is a result of identity theft or a mixed file. Include a copy of your Identity Theft Report and any other proof (like a driver’s license showing a different address). The FCRA requires them to block these fraudulent accounts from your report within four business days.
• Dispute with the Original Creditor. 
  
  • Contact the fraud department of the company that opened the account. Send them the same documentation and request that they close the account and confirm in writing that you are not liable for the debt.

The emotional toll of this process can be heavy, but you don’t have to carry it alone. If the bureaus or creditors are unresponsive, that’s when legal advocacy becomes essential. An attorney from Mistake can ensure your disputes are taken seriously. If necessary, we can file a lawsuit to enforce your rights under the FCRA, seeking not only to remove the accounts but also to secure compensation for the immense hassle and distress you’ve been forced to endure. 

Your financial identity belongs to you, let’s work together to take it back.