Finding an account on your credit report that you never opened is one of the most alarming experiences a consumer can have. Whether it’s a credit card, loan, collection account, or even a utility bill that isn’t yours, this type of error can damage your credit score, lead to higher interest rates, or even signal identity theft.
The good news is that federal law gives you strong rights to dispute and remove inaccurate information — and taking the right steps quickly can protect your credit and stop further harm.
How This Happens in the First Place
Seeing an unfamiliar account on your credit report doesn’t always mean someone is stealing your identity. It can be caused by:
1. Identity Theft
Someone used your personal information to open an account in your name.
2. Mixed or Merged Credit Files
This happens when the credit bureau accidentally blends your file with someone else who has:
A similar name
A similar Social Security number
A similar address or date of birth
3. Furnisher Errors
A bank, lender, or debt collector may report an account under the wrong person by mistake.
4. Reassigned Account Numbers
Sometimes accounts are sold or transferred and end up mislabeled.
No matter the cause, the steps to fix the problem are the same — and you should start immediately.
Step 1: Get All Three Credit Reports
Check all three bureaus:
Equifax
Experian
TransUnion
You can download each one for free at:
AnnualCreditReport.com
Make sure the account appears on only one bureau or all three — this helps identify if it's a mixed file or a reporting error.
Step 2: Dispute the Account With Each Credit Bureau (Certified Mail)
The strongest and most legally effective way to fix this is to submit your dispute directly to the credit bureaus. This triggers their obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
In your dispute letter, clearly state:
That the account does not belong to you
That you are requesting it be removed immediately
Any evidence you have (e.g., proof of address, employment, police report, etc.)
Include proof of identity:
Driver’s license
Utility bill
Last 4 of SSN
Send disputes via certified mail to:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
Step 3: Monitor the Investigation (They Have 30 Days)
Once the credit bureau receives your dispute, they must:
Forward your dispute to the company that reported the account (the furnisher).
Conduct an investigation within 30 days.
Delete the account if the furnisher cannot prove it belongs to you.
You will receive the results in writing.
Step 4: If It’s Identity Theft, File an Identity Theft Report
If you suspect identity theft — for example, if there are multiple accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize — take an extra step:
File an identity theft report at:
IdentityTheft.gov
This gives you a federally recognized affidavit that:
Forces creditors to remove fraudulent accounts
Blocks collectors from pursuing fake debts
Requires bureaus to remove related information
Step 5: Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze stops new accounts from being opened in your name. It is free and lasts until you lift it.
Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — you can do it online in minutes.
Step 6: Save Every Document
Keep copies of:
All dispute letters
Certified mail receipts
Any responses from credit bureaus
Any identity theft reports
Documentation becomes essential if the account reappears or if you need legal help.
When Should You Contact an Attorney?
If the credit bureau:
Fails to remove the false account
Re-inserts it after deleting it
Claims it “verified” the account even though it’s not yours
Ignores documents proving identity theft
…then they may be violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Under the FCRA, you may be entitled to:
Correction of your credit report
Statutory damages
Compensation for emotional distress or financial harm
Attorney’s fees paid by the other side
If an account you never opened continues to appear on your credit report, contact The Credit Attorney. We help consumers fight inaccurate reporting and restore their credit.
