How can I dispute identity theft on my credit report if there are accounts I don’t recognize?

Question

Successfully fixing identity theft on a credit report depends on the quality of your documentation and strict compliance with the legal timelines set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Using certified mail and attaching an official identity theft affidavit are critical steps to prevent automated “verifications” that often overlook consumers’ rights.

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

To fix identity theft on your credit report, think of the process as confirm, document, and demand correction:

Confirm the fraud with all three credit bureaus
Obtain your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Carefully list everything you do not recognize, including:
- Accounts
- Addresses
- Employers
- Credit inquiries
- Credit accounts tied to the fraud
Create an identity theft case file
Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to obtain your FTC Identity Theft Report. If possible, also file a police report. These documents form the legal foundation for requesting that fraudulent information be blocked or removed.
Send a formal written request for removal or blocking
Rather than submitting a basic online dispute, send a written request to each credit bureau reporting the fraud, asking for deletion or blocking of the fraudulent entries. While online disputes are available, sending your request by certified mail is strongly recommended to preserve proof of delivery and content.
Stop the problem at the source
Contact the creditor or collection agency that reported the fraudulent account on the credit reports and request that they close and correct the record due to identity theft. Include the same documentation package. This step helps prevent the account from reappearing later.
Review the outcome and legal deadlines
Credit bureaus generally have up to 30 days to investigate and respond. Afterward, recheck your credit reports to ensure the fraud has been removed from all three bureaus, not just one.

If a credit bureau “verifies” the information and refuses to remove it despite your FTC report and supporting evidence, you may have grounds for a claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and could be entitled to compensation. For this reason, it is often wise to speak with experienced FCRA and identity theft attorneys before starting the process - we can help you do it correctly from the beginning.