Trans Union Dispute | Disputing Trans Union’s Credit Report

What is in a Trans Union Credit Report?

Trans Union reports can be classified into four categories, including:

1. Personal information – this includes things such as social security number, address, name, and date of birth. Additionally, your employer’s information can be listed here. This data is updated every time you provide new information to creditors or lenders, and it has no bearing to your report.
2. Account information – contains information concerning your accounts you share with your creditors or lenders. It displays your credit limit, outstanding balances, or the amount of loan you have. Additionally, it shows your account status and the actual dates you opened your loans or credit cards as well as their payment history.
3. Credit Inquiries – contains both voluntary and involuntary inquiries. However, only the former affects your credit because it shows applications for credit, unlike credit screening for prequalification purposes.
4. Public records and collection accounts – contains any bankruptcies, tax liens, foreclosure, and suits as reported by the county or state courts. Delinquent accounts sold to collection firms are also featured here.

While reviewing your credit reports, meticulously analyze the information provided in each category to determine their accuracy. In case you spot errors, highlight them to understand what sections you’ll be disputing over.

Which Errors Should You be Looking For?

A past study done by the Federal Trade Commission revealed that one out of five credit reports have errors big enough to get them fully denied credit or get them a worse interest rate. Thus, there is a high chance of your report containing incorrect information. The following are a few areas to watch out for that may be affecting your credit report:

1. Unfamiliar accounts (probably caused by identity theft)
2. Inaccurate credit limits or loans
3. Unauthorized credit inquiries
4. Incorrect account numbers and names
5. Improper payment history
6. Negative accounts past 7-year reporting timeline
7. Being marked as dead on your credit report

1. Having your file mixed up with another person

Which Dispute Options Do You Have?

When you realize any of the inaccuracies listed above in your credit report, you have three options to launch your dispute. They include via phone call, through email, or online.

It is possible to have your credit report issues addressed using either of the three methods. However, it is highly recommended filing your dispute via mail. Dispute filing via phone or online means that you lack any evidence that you filed your credit dispute. You may also risk losing various protections given to you.

To exercise your legal rights as a consumer, the Federal Trade Commission advises on contacting your information provider as well as your credit bureau. After filing your dispute formally using either method mentioned above, you must quickly inform your creditor.

The Process of Disputing with Trans Union

As mentioned above, you can file your dispute online, through email, or via phone. Let us look at how each one of them works below.

Filing Disputes Online

You need to create an account to file an online dispute.

You’ll have to enter personal information such as your address, full official names, social security number, email address and date of birth to begin. However, if you already own an account, you can skip this step and proceed to log in.

After finishing the registration process and logging in, you have to submit your credit dispute using the following procedure:

• Click on “New Investigation” tab and enter the required details (Last name, Social Security Number, Zip Code) and click on submit.
• Analyze all the information included in your credit report and identify the account that has the inconsistencies. Click on the “Request an Investigation” button. This page also allows you to update your information directly.
• After selecting the respective accounts that have inaccuracies, scroll below the page and click on continue.
• You can use the Investigation Summary page to upload any documentation that backs your claim.
• Complete your process by hitting submit.

Filing Disputes by Mail

This process involves drafting a letter and sending it the credit reporting agencies such as TransUnion.  This letter should include:

1. Current Address, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth.
2. Name of the company that provides Trans Union with your info
3. Account number of disputed items
4. Proper reasons for filing your dispute
5. The required changes needed to be updated

Trans Union Address

Trans Union LLC, Consumer Dispute Center P.O. Box 200, Chester, PA 19016.

However, before submitting your letter, it's wise to make copies and retain the originals for your reference purposes. Additionally, send it through a certified mail that allows for a return receipt to be sure it reached the recipient.

Filing Disputes by Phone - DON'T DO IT

According to Trans Union, you can call 800-916-8800 to file your dispute on working days from 8 am to 11 pm, Monday to Friday. You must have a copy of your credit report ready since the customer support agent would ask for the File Identification Number.

Additionally, ensure that you have all your supporting documents available. The reason for this is that you’ll be required to send them as per the instructions you receive from the customer support agent.

Why you should not do this?

There may not be a record of what happened. Plus, TransUnion may not count it as a dispute. Just use our template and mail it. You will be happy you did it.

What Should You Expect After Filing Your Dispute?

Usually, Trans Union has a minimum of 30-days to investigate your reported dispute before responding to it. In this period, they make sure that they furnish the information received to the responsible creditor or lender.

They then wait for them to deny or confirm your alleged claim. Trans Union also provides mechanisms with which to track the progress of your dispute from their website.

In case your credit dispute is successful, your credit report is immediately updated to the correct status, and you'll receive an updated copy of your credit records. However, if unsuccessful, the information remains as is on your credit report UNTIL YOU TAKE ACTION.

If this happens, you’ll be forced to contact your creditor/lender with more supporting data. Alternatively, you can file a new dispute and include additional supporting evidence to justify your claim.

Furthermore, request a return receipt to be sure that they received your letter. In case you do not receive any feedback within a couple of weeks, follow up with a phone call.

Mistakes to Avoid While Filing Your Dispute

To successfully dispute your credit report, the following are mistakes you should watch out for and avoid:

1. Failing to include enough information and support documentation
2. Listening to a debt collector
3. Disputing the errors in your report with the furnisher alone
4. Losing crucial evidence

Can a Credit Dispute Affect Your Credit Score?

If you initiate your credit dispute with Trans Union and your credit dispute becomes successful: your credit score may improve after 30-45 days after closing the dispute.

Remember to check your credit report after this period to verify if everything is accurate.

Conclusion

It is crucial to always have your credit report checked regularly to ensure it's clear and error-free. In case you spot any mistakes, you must move swiftly in filing for credit dispute to ensure your credit score and report reflects the correct credit history.