Credit Report Error? They All Matter

Question: An address listed on my credit report is incorrect. Is there any reason to start a dispute to change it? -K.K., Christine, N.D.

Answer: It’s a good idea to fix the error. The incorrect address could be the result of a “mixed file,” when information of two individuals gets combined into one credit report, or “it could be an indication of an attempt at identity theft,” says Paul Stephens, of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. You can file a dispute on the credit bureau’s website (Equifax.com, Experian.com or TransUnion.com). Stephens advises examining all of your credit reports for suspicious activity. You can order a free copy of your credit report from each bureau once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com.