A case of crossed identities

Dear Audrey,

I wrote all three creditors about a recent problem with my credit reports. My credit data is crossed with my father’s information because we have the same address and name. Our birthdates, Social Security numbers and middle names are different. I would like to know how this information has gotten mixed up and how long it will take to fix. Thank you for your time.

Robert W.

Dear Rob,

Thank you for your email. The credit reporting industry keeps updated records on approximately 260 million Americans so it is not too hard to see why they occasionally get mixed up. Your situation is very common though and they should be able to get the information sorted in to the correct credit reports  fairly soon.

After the credit bureaus receive your dispute letters they have 30-days to investigate the problem and make corrections. It may not be worked out perfectly this first time, so order a new copy of your credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian and keep on working with them to get everything in order.

Best wishes,
Audrey O'Dell