When applying for a new line of credit, you may be surprised to find that you have been denied. However, it can be even more shocking to learn you were rejected because you are deceased – according to your credit report. Though it may seem like a silly error, being incorrectly reported as deceased can be a hassle to rectify and can result in damages. As such, if you have been falsely reported as dead by a credit reporting agency, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how an experienced attorney can help you navigate inaccurate account information disputes to fight to remedy these matters and recover compensation for damages.
Why Might My Credit Report Say I’m Deceased?
Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of entities that contribute information to your credit report, there are a number of reasons that you may be reported as deceased. Regardless, this can have a drastic impact on your ability to obtain new credit, which can, in turn, cause a number of issues for you.
One of the most common reasons you may be reported as deceased is due to data entry errors. As mentioned, there are so many different entities that send information to credit reporting agencies, and along these lines, mistakes can happen. As such, information may be incorrectly entered into the system, falsely reporting you as deceased.
Another reason that could explain the incorrect report that you are deceased is that a cosigner on a loan in your name has passed away. When the creditor reports the death of the cosigner to the credit reporting agency, they may mistakenly mark you as deceased instead.
Finally, you may be the victim of a credit mix, which can happen when you have similar information as another person. For example, if you share a similar name and social security number, or date of birth and last name, the credit reporting agency may accidentally switch the credit files. If the other party passes away, it can lead to you being falsely reported as dead.
Can I Seek Compensation for Damages?
If you are incorrectly reported as deceased on your credit report, you may be upset to learn that you can endure a considerable amount of damage as a result. You may be denied the opportunity to open lines of credit, receive loans, or even take out a mortgage. As such, you may be able to hold the negligent party liable for the damages you’ve endured.
Discovering that the credit reporting agencies believe you are dead can be incredibly upsetting, and being denied loans can make matters even worse. As such, it is in your best interest to discuss your legal options with an experienced consumer defense attorney. At Loker Law, APC, we understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate. That is why our firm will do everything possible to assist you in these complicated times. Contact us today to learn more.
