Finding a fraudulent account on your credit report is frustrating enough — but it’s even worse when you’ve already disputed it, had it removed, and then see it reappear later. This problem, known as reinsertion, happens more often than it should and can seriously damage your credit.

Fortunately, federal law protects you. Here’s what causes reinserted accounts, what your rights are under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and what steps you can take to stop it for good.

Why Fraudulent Accounts Reappear

When you dispute a fraudulent or inaccurate account, the credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) is required to investigate. If the account cannot be verified, it must be deleted from your credit report.

However, sometimes the same furnisher — usually a creditor or debt collector — re-reports the same account at a later date, causing it to reappear as if it’s new. This can happen because of:

• Automated systems that re-upload old data.

• The same debt being sold to another collection agency.

• Errors in how the account was coded or flagged.

• Failure by the credit bureau to block reinsertion properly.

When a deleted account reappears without notice, it can violate the FCRA.

What the Law Says About Reinsertion

Under Section 611(a)(5)(B) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit reporting agencies are not allowed to reinsert deleted information unless the furnisher has certified the accuracy of the information and the bureau has notified the consumer in writing within five business days that the item has been reinserted.

If a deleted account reappears without notice, that’s a potential violation of federal law.

What to Do When It Happens

1. Get Copies of All Three Credit Reports

Start by checking your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com. Each bureau might show different information. Note when the fraudulent account first appeared, when it was deleted, and when it returned.

2. Send a Reinsertion Dispute Letter

You have the right to dispute the reinsertion. Send a written dispute by certified mail with return receipt to the credit bureau that re-reported the account.

In your letter, clearly state that the account was previously removed, provide the date of deletion (if available), and demand that the bureau provide:

• The certification of accuracy from the furnisher, and

• Proof that you were properly notified in writing of the reinsertion.

If they can’t produce this documentation, they must remove the item again.

3. Send a Fraud or Identity Theft Block

If the account is clearly fraudulent, you can also request a fraud block under Section 605B of the FCRA. This requires the credit bureau to stop reporting information resulting from identity theft once you submit:

• A copy of an Identity Theft Report (from the FTC or police), and

• Proof of your identity.

This block must remain in place unless the bureau can verify the account truly belongs to you.

4. Contact the Furnisher Directly

Send a written dispute to the creditor or collector that is re-reporting the account. Include your FTC Identity Theft Report and request written confirmation that the account has been deleted and will not be re-reported.

When to Get Legal Help

If you’ve disputed fraudulent accounts multiple times and they keep reappearing, you may have grounds to sue under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Consumers can recover damages and attorney’s fees when credit bureaus or furnishers fail to comply with the law.

If fraudulent accounts keep returning to your credit report, contact The Credit Attorney. Our team can investigate, hold credit bureaus accountable, and take legal action to ensure these accounts are permanently removed.