Discovering that a credit report lists you as deceased can feel surreal and deeply frustrating. This glaring error can disrupt your finances and can also create emotional distress, in addition to a cascade of complications. When credit bureaus incorrectly mark you as deceased, lenders may freeze your accounts, deny your applications, and bar you from accessing financial services.
We know this situation is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. When you are marked as deceased on a credit report, our lawyers at Raburn Kaufman can assist in handling these errors. We help clients rebuild their financial standing while holding credit bureaus accountable through litigation.
What To Do If You’re Marked as Deceased on a Credit Report
Being incorrectly labeled as deceased on a credit report is a serious error with potentially devastating consequences. This designation indicates to third parties, such as potential creditors, that you have passed away. This often leads to credit denials, account closures, and other adverse actions.
When you are incorrectly reported as deceased, lenders and creditors generally assume financial activity occurring after the alleged “death” is the result of fraud. As a result, these entities will take swift action to protect themselves.
You may find your accounts frozen, mortgage applications denied, and access to personal or business loans blocked. Even routine transactions can become impossible. The stigma of being marked deceased can extend to other areas of your life, such as employment or housing opportunities.
Correcting this error means navigating a credit reporting system fraught with bureaucracy and inefficiency. Many consumers try to resolve these mistakes on their own but they find that online disputes and phone calls lead to dead ends.
This is where speaking with an experienced credit reporting attorney can make all the difference. An attorney will be able to provide you with valuable insight, and advise you on your rights and options as a consumer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
How Deceased Reporting Errors Happen
Deceased reporting errors often stem from systemic credit reporting and data-sharing issues. These errors may occur because of:
● Data Furnisher Mistakes: Banks, lenders, or other creditors may accidentally report an account holder as deceased. This can be due to clerical errors or outdated records.
● Social Security Administration Errors: If the SSA mistakenly includes your Social Security Number in its Death Master File, this information can spread to credit bureaus and financial institutions.
● Mixed Credit Files: Credit bureaus sometimes merge the data of multiple individuals with similar names or identifying details. If one of these individuals is deceased, the error can spill over into your credit report.
● Joint Account Confusion: If a co-signer or joint account holder passes away, the credit bureau may inadvertently mark the surviving account holder as deceased.
These mistakes often go unnoticed until a consumer applies for credit, checks their report, or receives an alert from a creditor informing them they’ve been reported as deceased. Once discovered, resolving the issue requires persistence, documentation, and legal experience.
Why Legal Help is Necessary
Correcting a deceased reporting error isn’t as straightforward as many people would hope. Credit bureaus operate within a system that prioritizes speed over accuracy. Filing a dispute involves submitting detailed documentation, following specific procedures, and understanding your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Most consumers aren’t aware that disputing an error online or over the phone can undermine their legal rights. Some credit bureaus even require users to agree to terms that waive their right to sue in court.
At Raburn Kaufman, our legal team takes a strategic approach to resolving these errors. We can advise you on how to draft dispute letters that meet the legal standards required to compel action. Additionally, we recommend sending dispute letters by certified mail in order to create a clear paper trail, which can be useful for future reference or potential legal proceedings.
If credit bureaus fail to investigate or correct the error, we are here to hold them accountable. The FCRA grants you the right to accurate reporting, and we will work to secure compensation for the financial and emotional harm caused by the credit bureaus’ negligence.
The Impact of Being Marked as Deceased
Being incorrectly labeled as deceased can affect every aspect of your financial life. Creditors often freeze accounts to prevent fraud, preventing you from accessing your funds or making transactions. Applications for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards are also typically denied, as lenders tend to see you as an ineligible applicant.
Beyond financial setbacks, the emotional toll can be significant. Many clients feel humiliated, isolated, and overwhelmed by the hurdles of fixing this error. Unfortunately, the credit bureaus often fail to correct deceased reporting errors after a consumer’s dispute, leaving consumers with no clear path.
In some cases, the error may even lead to additional complications, such as:
● Being denied employment due to inaccurate background check reports.
● Receiving denied rental and housing applications as a result of the reporting errors.
Correcting this mistake is about reclaiming your financial identity and peace of mind.
How a Lawyer Resolves Deceased Reporting Errors
Our attorneys start by identifying the root cause of the deceased designation. This involves reviewing your credit reports, as well as correspondence and other documents you may have received from entities regarding the deceased indicator. Once the source is identified, we will advise you on the best course of action for disputing the error with the relevant credit bureaus.
A well-crafted dispute letter outlines the inaccuracies in your report. It provides evidence to prove you are alive and requests immediate corrections. Supporting documents may include copies of identification, a notarized affidavit, and other documents.
If credit bureaus fail to act or conduct an inadequate investigation, we escalate your matter through filing a lawsuit. Under the FCRA, you are entitled to damages for financial losses, emotional distress, and harm to your reputation. We use our knowledge to secure compensation and correct the error.
Protecting Your Financial Future
Once your credit report is corrected, it’s important to monitor your accounts and reports for any additional errors or the reappearance of the inaccurate deceased notation. It is not uncommon for credit bureaus to reinsert inaccurate information that was previously removed following a consumer’s dispute.
At our practice, we regularly advocate for systemic changes within the credit reporting industry with the hopes of reducing the likelihood of similar errors affecting others. We feel it is our duty to hold credit bureaus accountable for their mistakes.
Take The First Step Toward Resolution
If you’ve been marked as deceased on your credit report, acting swiftly can save you from prolonged financial and emotional harm. Raburn Kaufman helps resolve errors of being marked deceased and other credit reporting issues. Our team works on a contingency basis, so you never pay out of pocket.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced credit reporting attorneys. We’re here to help you fight for the justice you deserve.
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