Told to Call the Credit Bureau?
We’ll Help You Understand What to Do Next.
If you were told to contact the credit bureau because of a fraud alert, suspicious account, credit report issue, or identity theft concern, we can help you understand your next steps.
Why Would a Bank Tell You to Call the Credit Bureau?
A bank may tell you to contact the credit bureaus if there is suspicious activity, a possible identity-theft issue, an unfamiliar account, or information on your credit report that needs to be reviewed. Your credit reports can help show whether someone has attempted to use your identity to obtain credit.
What Should You Look for on Your Credit Reports?
Review your reports for accounts you do not recognize, unfamiliar credit inquiries, incorrect balances, addresses that do not belong to you, or other information that looks wrong. You can obtain reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com.
What If You Find Information That Is Wrong?
If you find inaccurate information, you have the right to dispute it. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends disputing the information with both the credit reporting company and the company that supplied the information.
What If You Think Someone Is Using Your Identity?
If you believe someone may be using your identity, consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file and can make it harder for someone to open new credit in your name.
Need Help Understanding Why You Were Told to Call?
If your bank, lender, or another company told you to contact the credit bureau and you are not sure what to do next, call us at 800-518-1077.
We can help you understand what you were told, what to look for on your credit report, and the next steps available to you.
Reviewed by Tina Kayhan, President of TheCreditBureau.com, with more than 30 years of experience in credit reporting, identity protection, and consumer credit services.