I have assisted many individuals whose credit reports contain errors. Sometimes these errors are a result of "identify theft." Other times, they are simply errors caused by an imperfect credit reporting system. In either case, the Fair Credit Reporting Act provides consumers with the legal tools to force credit reporting agencies and companies who report information to credit reporting agencies to correct the errors.

I have also handled "unauthorized access" cases where someone has pulled a credit report without permission or other legal authority.

TIP: You can get a free credit report once a year from Experian, Trans-Union, and Equifax. The credit reports can be obtained instantaneously online at www.annualcreditreport.com. Or you can call 1-877-322-8228 or write to P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, Ga., 30348-5281.

TIP: Once you receive the credit report, check it carefully for inaccuracies. Also, check to see if there are "inquiries" on your credit report which you do not recognize. Companies can only access your credit report if the access was authorized by you, was required by the law, or if the credit report is to be used for one of the purposes allowed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as credit evaluation, employment decisions or collections.

TIP: In order to have a legal claim against a company for providing wrong information to credit reporting agencies, consumers should usually dispute the information with the credit reporting agencies. This can be done simply by sending the credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Trans-union) letters which explain why the information reported is incorrect. You should attach copies of any documents which prove that the information on your credit report is wrong. It is a good idea to send this letter certified mail, return receipt requested, and to send a copy to the company which is reporting the wrong information.  The credit reporting agencies are required to investigate and inform you of the results of your dispute within 30 days in most cases.