Someone Else's Accounts on Your Credit Report?
A "mixed file" happens when a credit bureau merges another person's information into your report, often because of a similar name, a Jr. or Sr., or a Social Security number that's off by a digit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires bureaus to use reasonable procedures to keep your file accurate.
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Other Credit Report Problems
Errors often come in groups. Check your report for these too.
All Credit Report Errors
The full guide to fixing your credit report under the FCRA.
Read moreIdentity Theft on Your Report
Accounts, inquiries or collections you never opened, put there by someone using your identity.
Read moreCollection Account You Don't Owe
A collector reports a debt that isn't yours, the wrong amount, or doesn't show it's disputed.
Read moreDispute Ignored or "Verified"
You disputed the error and the bureau rubber-stamped it, ignored you, or put it back.
Read moreWrong Balance, Late Payment or Old Debt
Paid accounts showing a balance, late payments you didn't make, or debts past 7 years.
Read moreSigns of a Mixed File
Check the personal information section and every account on all three reports.
A Relative's Accounts
A parent's, child's or sibling's accounts, often with a Jr. or Sr. mix-up.
A Stranger's Accounts
Accounts from someone with a similar name or Social Security number.
Unknown Names and Addresses
Name spellings, addresses or employers that were never yours.
Collections and Judgments That Aren't Yours
Negative items from the other person dragging your score down.
Errors Keep Coming Back
Items removed after a dispute reappear because the files were never separated.
Denied Because of Their History
A loan, apartment or job turned down because of the other person's credit.
Free Tools to Fix Your Credit Report
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Credit Report Case Check
A few questions to see if your credit report problem has the signs of a strong case.
StartDispute Letter Builder
A free, ready-to-mail dispute letter for Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, including an identity theft block request.
StartCollection Dispute Letter Builder
A free letter asking a collector to prove the debt and report it as disputed.
StartWhat Can You Recover Under the FCRA?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act lets consumers sue credit bureaus, and the companies that report to them, when they fail to follow the law (15 U.S.C. §§ 1681n and 1681o).
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Consumer Center for Resources is a nonprofit, not a law firm. Read the details.
Learn your rights
Read our free mixed credit file guides to understand what the law says about your situation.
Tell us what happened
Use the form or call us. Share the basics: who you're dealing with, what happened, and any letters or dispute results you have.
We review your request
If it looks like you may have a claim, we connect you with Consumer Action Law Group, an independent consumer protection law firm, which may handle it or refer you to another attorney.
You decide
An attorney explains your options. You are never obligated to hire anyone, and the review is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about mixed credit files.
Another Person's Credit on Your Report?
Tell us what's showing and what you've tried. We'll review it for free.
Why Act Now?
- ✓FCRA claims have filing deadlines
- ✓Errors keep hurting your credit until fixed
- ✓Your dispute records are your best evidence
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Bureau Won't Separate Your File?
Mixed files can cost you loans, apartments and jobs. Get your free, no-obligation case review.