Your credit score can influence almost every aspect of your life, from how much you pay for car insurance to the interest rate on your home loan. As important as your credit history can be, a surprising number of these reports contain errors that can drag your score down. While each of the credit reporting bureaus should correct any mistakes as soon as possible, getting erroneous information off your report may require the services of a skilled debt attorney. Find out what you can do to fix these errors in the following guide.

Common Mistakes on Credit Scores

According to the Federal Trade Commission, approximately 26% of credit reports contain at least one error that could make you seem like a greater risk to lenders. Some of the most common errors include loan or credit card payments applied to the wrong account or accounts that appear on the report twice. Lenders have also reported paid-off accounts as delinquent, or your credit history may contain accounts that don’t even belong to you.

What to Do About Credit History Mistakes

As soon as you notice erroneous information on your credit file, report the mistake to both the reporting bureau and the lender who made the notation. The major credit reporting bureaus offer tools for initiating a dispute online, but it’s best to write a letter explaining the error and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. Do the same for the lender, and explain in detail what information they submitted incorrectly.

When to Hire a Debt Attorney

The credit agencies will often resolve disputes as quickly as possible, but they may decide the false information is, in fact, correct. In these situations, having a debt attorney handle the dispute is the best way to resolve the situation. Not only will your lawyer be able to restore your good credit, but they’ll also save you the stress and frustration of dealing with the bureaus yourself.

Whether you’re trying to correct an error-filled credit report or thinking of filing for bankruptcy, Greg Dunn, Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Attorney, offers the personal attention and representation you need. Since 1996, the law firm has helped over 12,000 Honolulu borrowers resolve their debts and claim a second chance at financial stability. Visit their website or call (808) 524-4529 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced debt attorney.