Each of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – collects and stores information about you in databases, resulting in three separate credit reports which each contain raw data in what are called “credit files.” A “mixed credit report” occurs when one of these agencies inaccurately merges entire credit files, or credit information in general, belonging to two separate consumers.There is a range of causes for merged credit files, and it’s believed that most or all result from the algorithms used by the credit agencies; an improper algorithm is just as likely to cause merged credit files as the actual inaccurate reporting of a consumer’s information. The sheer number of credit files, including per consumer, also amplifies the effects of bad algorithms by complicating the processes of sorting and matching files and increasing the likelihood of incomplete reports.If you have reason to believe that your credit report contains information which belongs to someone else, you have a right to dispute this information by contacting the particular credit agency which provided it. This can be done either online or via mail, and if you have been a victim of a violation of credit reporting laws, contact an experienced attorney for assistance.
Mixed/Merged Files
Submitted Comments
Shermaine
6 years ago
Equifax has for months been contacted about mixing errors on my credit report therefore denying me credit, jobs and opportunities to buy a home. I contacted them via telephone conversation and email about the errors of accounts that shouldn't be reporting. This error denied identity theft denied me more credit by Banks and hurt my good name.
TransUnion and Experian corrected the errors according to the law . Equifax was sent copies of Experian and TransUnion's Updates but still refused to change and or update my credit report. I've since found my name, dob, social security number was one of the Equifax's Breached also.
This has hurt my finances, opportunity for new credit and existing accounts therefore causing me financial hardship. Equifax has violated the law.
