Removing Extra Names and Addresses from Your Credit Report
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When you are trying to clean up your credit, there are a few steps that are most common and useful. For instance, to begin the process, most take the time to order a free copy of their credit report in order to review it and scan it for mistakes. Once a discrepancy is uncovered, there is a simple process to help you follow in order to remove names or old addresses on credit report files. Continue reading to learn how you should go about removing old addresses from credit report files and incorrect or unknown names, so that you can ensure your credit report information is up to date and accurate.
There are several possible reasons for wrong or old addresses on credit reports. One of the most common is that if you’ve moved to a new location and the one on file has yet to be updated. Work addresses, P.O. boxes, and anywhere else you’ve received mail may also show up on your credit report. Likewise, if you’ve ever been a joint account holder or authorized user, the other person’s address could show up on your report as well.
Any Address You’ve Received a Bill
In short, your credit report reflects addresses where you’ve ever received a bill or loan statement, whether you physically lived there or not. If you don’t recognize a listed address, it could be a case of identity theft. If so, check other reports and statements for any further instances and report them to associated credit card companies and credit bureaus.
No, incorrect or wrong addresses on your credit report won’t affect your credit score. The only information used to calculate a credit score relates to things like payment histories, the number and type of credit cards, the length of your credit history, and so on.
No, incorrect or unknown names on your credit report won’t impact your credit score! For example, if lenders have your maiden name on file there’s no reason to worry. However, unknown names on file, like unknown addresses, may indicate identity theft. Removing false names and addresses from your credit report won’t improve your credit score, though it can help guard against and recognize identity theft.
You don’t necessarily have to remove old addresses from credit reports, seeing that they don’t negatively impact your credit and may even be helpful for identity verification purposes. If an address or name on file looks unfamiliar or potentially fraudulent, you can find out which creditor reported the address to make an update or dispute it with them.
That said, removing old addresses from credit reports (especially those from a long time ago) can reduce the risk of identity theft by preventing bills, statements, and other mail with personal information from ending up at someone else’s address.
Applying For a Loan
Removing incorrect and out-of-date addresses from credit reports also speeds up your loan application processes. When applying for a loan, lenders will carefully check your credit reports, bank statements, tax returns, and other personal documents before approval. They will also ask for an explanation for every address appearing on your credit report, even the old ones — removing these speeds up the loan process and minimizes risks of complications, especially if you’re a first-time buyer, no matter the loan type. Below are some tips for how to remove old addresses from credit reports.
Did you know that former employers are able to report a variety of details to credit report agencies which can ultimately end up on your credit report? This means old addresses and phone numbers, temporary addresses, and even P.O. boxes may still appear on your credit report. However, in order to have them removed, the process is simple.
Easy As 1-2-3
- Send a Letter– One method is to send a letter to the agency or agencies that have this false information. These letters can be sent via snail mail, fax, or email. Just be sure to follow up to make sure it has been received.
- Provide Proof– Once you prove you are not associated with the address or phone number, they will gladly remove it from the report. There are plenty of ways to prove your present residence and/or phone number. Be sure to ask the agency which methods they are requesting.
- Fill Out a Dispute Form– On the other hand, many companies have dispute forms on their website. In these cases, simply fill out the form and follow up as requested.
- Follow Up– No matter what method you choose, be sure to contact the company to make sure they have removed the false information from your credit report.
Overall, if you are concerned about your credit report, you are not alone. In the wake of various cyber breaches, many are concerned about the information on their credit report for a variety of reasons. Either way, if you need help fixing your credit score, in particular, consult with a credit repair company for help improving your credit. We review the best credit repair companies here, including Sky Blue Credit Repair reviews and Credit Saint reviews, two of our top-rated services.
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