Do you know the difference between 550 and 780? Yes, they’re 230 digits apart, but they’re also examples of bad and good credit scores, respectively.
If you don’t check yours regularly, now is the time to start. Small mistakes are much more common than you think, and they can do serious damage to your credit score. I’ll show you some of the most common credit report errors and what you can do to fix them.
Step 1: Get your free credit report
The three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) are required by law to provide you with one free credit report annually. Sweet. There are several ways you can request a copy from each agency.
Online is the fastest way. If you submit a claim by phone or mail, expect to wait two weeks after receiving the documents.
â—¾ Online: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
â—¾ Phone: 877-FACT (877-322-8228)
â—¾ Mail: Download and complete the annual credit report request form. Send to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Pro tip: Get your report from the fourth credit bureau, Innovis, too.
Step 2: Look for the most common errors
Typo or incorrect information: Everything from your name to your address or date of birth is misspelled by a number. Small mistakes can confuse your credit with someone else’s.
Accounts you don’t recognize: If you see something you don’t recognize, don’t ignore it! This includes credit cards you never applied for, loans in your name, or purchases you never made.
Duplicate: It is not normal to see a debt twice on a credit report. This includes things like the same collection account, transferred debts showing as separate accounts, or settled debts still there.
Incorrect account information: Sometimes, payments may mistakenly appear late, or closed accounts may still appear as active. Other times, the reports may show the wrong credit limit or mess up your payment history.
Outdated information: Bankruptcies older than 10 years, late payments older than seven years, and delinquent accounts should not appear on your credit report.
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Step 3: Report anything strange
Don’t be scared! Write down and make copies of anything that appears, then file a dispute with the credit reporting company by mail, phone or online.
If you are filing online or by mail, explain in writing exactly what is wrong and why, and include copies of supporting documents. Be sure to include your contact information, credit report confirmation numbers, and a copy of your credit report version.
â—¾ Equifax: Here online or call 866-349-5191
â—¾ Expertise: Online here or call 888-397-3742
â—¾ TransUnion: Here online or call 800-916-8800
â—¾ Innovis:Here online or call 800-540-2505
And always follow! The bureaus are required to review your disputes within 30 days. Follow his progress until you have a written solution. If your dispute is valid, the bureau must fix it and tell the other bureaus.
Many of these issues boil down to good old-fashioned human error. It happens, but don’t let that stop you from taking responsibility.
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While you’re at it, find your work number
Equifax also runs a database of 716 million income and employment records, including, potentially, yours. It’s called a Job Number and employers use it to make sure you are who you say you are.
Your Employment Data Report (EDR) includes things like where you worked, when you worked there, and your exact past salary numbers.
Trying to find a new job? An employer can use your EDR to find your past salary range and seat you in negotiations. And, of course, Equifax will sell your EDR to anyone who buys it, including debt collectors.
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How to stop it
You can upload your EDR just like a credit report. You can also see who has tried to use it within the last two years. To do this, you will need to create an account with the work number.
â—¾ Search for your current or previous employers using theirs employer name or code (the nine-digit number on your W-2).
â—¾ Click on their name, followed by Register Now. Heads up: It will ask for your Social Security number.
Once you’ve signed up, check your report and make sure it’s accurate. Fill out this data dispute form if you find anything objectionable.
Then, go back to the control panel and click Upload your data. fill Data freeze placement form and hand it over. The job number will send you a freeze confirmation letter along with a PIN. Save your PIN in the password manager. You’ll need it if you ever want to upload your report.
You can always access the job number or call them to merge your report.
If you can’t find your employer: They cannot register with the work number. Call the Freeze Helpline at 1-800-367-2884 to double check.
If you’re not actively applying for a loan or government benefits, or if an employer isn’t actively looking for your EDR, there’s no point in uploading it. And if a potential employer insists on checking your EDR to hire you, it’s probably not the right fit after all.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio show. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacking. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.