Identity Theft: Credit Bureaus Won’t Remove Fraudulent Accounts
You discovered accounts on your credit report that don’t belong to you—credit cards you never opened, loans you never took out, collections for debts that aren’t yours. You filed identity theft reports with the FTC and police, disputed the fraudulent accounts with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and provided all required documentation. But the credit bureaus still won’t remove the accounts, or they removed them temporarily and then re-inserted them. Identity theft victims have special protections under FCRA, and when credit bureaus fail to remove fraudulent accounts after proper notice, you can sue them. Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. represents identity theft victims nationwide.
Credit Report Shows Accounts That Aren’t Yours
Sometimes you’ll find accounts on your credit report that aren’t from identity theft—they’re from mixed credit files where the bureau confused you with someone else (common with Jr./Sr., similar names, or shared addresses), from ex-spouse debts that should have been removed, or from clerical errors by creditors. Regardless of how the error occurred, these accounts don’t belong on your credit report, and credit bureaus must remove them when you dispute them with proper documentation. When they refuse, claiming the accounts are “verified,” you have legal recourse under FCRA.
Why Credit Bureaus Resist Removing Fraudulent Accounts
Even when you provide police reports, FTC identity theft affidavits, and detailed explanations that accounts are fraudulent, credit bureaus often resist removal. They make excuses: the furnisher “verified” the account, you need to provide more documentation, the investigation is “ongoing” past the 30-day deadline, or they simply ignore your dispute. The truth is that credit bureaus profit from selling credit data, and removing accounts reduces the information they can sell. When bureaus prioritize profit over accuracy—especially in identity theft cases—they violate federal law.
FCRA Protections for Identity Theft Victims
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires credit bureaus to block fraudulent accounts when you provide an identity theft report and proper identification. They must complete this blocking within 4 business days of receiving your request. If they refuse to block the accounts, fail to meet the deadline, or unblock the accounts without proper notice, those are FCRA violations. Additionally, creditors who continue reporting fraudulent accounts after being notified of identity theft can be sued under FCRA. You don’t have to fight identity theft alone.
Mixed Credit Files: When Someone Else’s Debts Appear on Your Report
Mixed credit files occur when credit bureaus merge your information with someone else’s—often family members with similar names, people at the same address, or individuals with similar Social Security numbers. Suddenly your credit report shows debts, bankruptcies, or foreclosures that belong to someone else entirely. This error can destroy your credit score overnight. Credit bureaus are supposed to have safeguards preventing mixed files, and when they occur, bureaus must separate the files immediately. If they’ve mixed your file and won’t fix it despite your disputes, you can sue for damages.
The Cost of Fraudulent Accounts on Your Credit Report
Accounts that don’t belong to you can devastate your credit score and your life. You might be denied a mortgage for a home you’re trying to buy, rejected for an auto loan, turned down for apartment rentals, or even lose a job offer. The emotional toll is significant—constantly fighting with credit bureaus and creditors, fearing what new fraudulent accounts might appear, and feeling violated by identity theft. Under FCRA, you can recover damages for all these harms, including financial losses, emotional distress, and punitive damages when credit bureaus act willfully.
Sue Credit Bureaus and Creditors Reporting Fraudulent Accounts
You can sue both the credit bureaus and the furnishers (creditors, debt collectors) reporting fraudulent accounts. Credit bureaus are liable for failing to remove or block fraudulent information after proper notice. Furnishers are liable for continuing to report accounts after being notified they’re fraudulent or belong to someone else. FCRA allows you to recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000 per violation, and punitive damages. Defendants must pay your attorney fees, so you don’t pay legal costs out of pocket. Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. handles FCRA identity theft cases nationwide. Call 877-206-4741 for immediate help.
