Top Errors Banks and Credit Reporting Agencies Are Failing to Correct After a Dispute

Errors in credit reports can have a lasting impact on your financial opportunities. Despite filing disputes, some inaccuracies remain unresolved. In this guide, we highlight the top errors banks and credit reporting agencies are failing to correct after a dispute and what documentation you need to address them.

Common Credit Reporting Errors That Remain Uncorrected

1. Paid Account Still Showing as Owed

Error: The consumer has paid off an account in full, yet the credit report still shows an outstanding balance.
Correct Reporting: The account should show a zero balance.
Supporting Documentation:

2. Settlements Not Properly Reflected

Error: A consumer settles a debt for less than the full balance, but the report still shows the full amount owed.
Correct Reporting: The report should reflect a zero balance or the settled amount.
Supporting Documentation:

3. 1099-C Issued, but Balance Remains

Error: A 1099-C form was issued to cancel the debt, but the creditor still lists the balance as owed.
Correct Reporting: The balance should be zero following the 1099-C issuance.
Supporting Documentation:

  • Copy of 1099-C
  • Dispute Letter and Creditor Response.
    (Chase is known for issuing many 1099-C forms.)

4. Incorrectly Transferred Accounts

Error: An account sold to a debt buyer is still reported as owed to the original creditor.
Correct Reporting: It should be marked as “transferred” and show a zero balance with the original creditor.
Supporting Documentation:

5. Duplicate Debts on Credit Report

Error: The same debt appears twice, making it look like the consumer owes more than they do.
Correct Reporting: Each account should appear only once.
Supporting Documentation:

6. Unknown Accounts on the Credit Report

Error: Accounts that the consumer has no knowledge of are listed on their report.
Correct Reporting: These accounts should be removed if they are not recognized by the consumer.
Supporting Documentation:

Legal Documentation for Disputes and Lawsuits

If these errors are not corrected, you may consider legal action. Here’s the documentation needed for a successful lawsuit:

Avoiding Common Reporting Issues

  • Relatives’ Debt Confusion: Sometimes, debts are mistakenly assigned to family members with similar names, like “Jr.” or “Sr.”
  • Outdated Delinquencies: Debts more than 7 years old should no longer appear on your report.
  • Misreported Authorized User Accounts: Credit card balances should reflect only the charges made by the authorized user.

Issues That Are Not Covered by the FCRA

Some issues do not qualify for correction or lawsuits under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), including:

  • FDCPA Violations such as harassing calls.
  • Incorrect Personal Information (e.g., address errors).
  • Disputes with government agencies, IRS records, or public record reporting.
  • Valid debts where the consumer simply does not wish to pay.
  • Identity theft without a police report.

Final Thoughts: Fixing Reporting Errors for a Better Credit Score

Correcting these top errors banks and credit reporting agencies are failing to correct after a dispute can be a challenging process, but it is essential for maintaining your financial health. Address these issues promptly to improve your credit score and take advantage of better financial opportunities. For professional assistance, contact Credit1solutions.com