Discovering that someone has opened accounts in your name can feel overwhelming. Many people do not realize the impact until they see strange charges, a sudden drop in their credit score, or collection notices for debts they never incurred. When fraud occurs, it is important to act quickly, but also carefully, because each step you take can influence your financial recovery. Read on and reach out to an experienced fraudulent credit reporting lawyer from Cook Law to learn more about how to dispute fraudulent accounts in your name. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Should I Do as Soon as I Notice Fraud?
The very first step is to make sure the fraudulent activity is documented. Pull your credit reports from all three major reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and review them closely for suspicious accounts. If you see anything unfamiliar, keep detailed notes and save copies of all records.
Next, contact the creditors or financial institutions that are reporting the fraudulent accounts. Explain that the charges are not yours and ask them to freeze or close the accounts immediately. At the same time, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission through IdentityTheft.gov, which generates an Identity Theft Report that supports your dispute. You may also want to file a police report, particularly if the fraud involves large amounts or if creditors demand additional proof.
How Do I File a Dispute With the Credit Bureaus?
Once you have the proper documentation, you can send disputes to each credit bureau. This can be done online, by mail, or in some cases over the phone, though written disputes are usually recommended. Your letter should include a clear explanation of the fraudulent accounts, a copy of your government-issued ID, proof of address, and copies of any supporting documents such as the FTC Identity Theft Report or police report.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the bureaus must investigate disputes, typically within 30 days. They will contact the creditors that reported the accounts, and those creditors must confirm whether the accounts are valid. If they cannot verify ownership, the fraudulent accounts must be removed from your report. Keep in mind that disputes sometimes require persistence. Creditors may push back, or the bureaus may claim that they verified the account. In such cases, a consumer protection attorney can help challenge the results and press for a fair resolution.
When Should I Involve an Attorney?
For many people, the dispute process is confusing, stressful, and filled with delays. If your disputes are ignored, if the bureaus continue to report fraudulent accounts after you provide proof, or if the fraud has caused significant financial damage, it may be time to reach out to a lawyer.
Cook Law is here to help. If you have additional questions or wish to speak with us about your case, simply contact us for an initial consultation today.
