Financial tools like Credit Karma have become vital for monitoring credit scores and reports. They offer an easy way to track your credit standing. However, what happens when Credit Karma displays deceased reporting errors? These errors can significantly impact your financial health, leading to denied credit applications and even job and apartment denials.
Here, we’ll explore the causes, implications, and solutions for addressing deceased reporting errors, including insights from Raburn Kaufman, where we focus our legal practice on credit reporting errors.
Understanding Credit Karma and Its Function
Credit Karma compiles information from major credit bureaus to offer credit scores and reports. While it is a valuable tool for consumers, it is important to note that Credit Karma reflects data reported by Equifax and TransUnion. Inaccuracies on your Credit Karma account usually stem from errors in these bureaus’ records, although it is not uncommon for Credit Karma to report inaccurate information as a result of in-house technical errors.
For example, consumers occasionally receive alerts from Credit Karma notifying them of unrecognized account activity, only to find that this information is not being reported on their actual credit reports. This is just one of the many reasons it’s important to regularly check your credit reports instead of relying on credit monitoring services alone.
Why Does Credit Karma Say I’m Deceased and What Does It Mean?
If Credit Karma says you are deceased, it means that the information being reported to them by the credit bureaus—Equifax and TransUnion—indicates that you’ve been flagged as deceased somewhere on your credit report.
This error can occur due to a variety of reasons, including clerical mistakes, outdated records, or file mixing with someone else who shares a similar name or Social Security number. Since Credit Karma relies on these bureaus for your credit information, it can be frustrating when their system reflects inaccurate data.
This mistake can disrupt your financial life in various ways, from being denied credit applications to difficulty when applying for jobs and housing. If you find a “deceased” designation on your credit report, it’s critical to address it promptly.
How Common Are Deceased Reporting Errors with Credit Karma?
Deceased reporting errors, while not extremely common, still affect thousands of consumers each year. According to a 2019 Social Security advisory report, an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 people are mistakenly declared dead annually.
Credit Karma is not immune to these errors. The platform relies on third-party data from credit bureaus and government agencies like the SSA. These mistakes can lead to issues such as denied loans, account closures, and damaged credit.
Understanding the causes of these errors and taking action to correct them is vital to protecting your financial health.
The Impact of Deceased Reporting Errors
Errors on your credit report, including being listed as deceased, can lead to significant challenges, such as:
● Poor Credit Reputation: Being marked as deceased can affect your creditworthiness, limiting your ability to secure loans and other lines of credit.
● Financial Challenges: If you’re in the process of applying for jobs, an inaccurate deceased status can lead to employment denials, disrupting your financial planning and budgeting.
● Denied Opportunities: A deceased designation can cause rejection of credit card applications, auto loans, mortgages, or even rental applications.
Legal Protections Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA offers protections for consumers when inaccurate credit reporting occurs. These include:
● Access to Reports: You can request copies of your credit reports annually from the major bureaus.
● Dispute Inaccuracies: Consumers have the right to challenge errors and expect a timely review and resolution.
● Accountability: Entities reporting incorrect data must correct mistakes promptly and update their records.
● Legal Protections: Most people are unaware that they may be entitled to financial compensation when an entity has reported inaccurate information, such as a deceased notation, on their credit report. The FCRA gives consumers the right to pursue legal action against the entities who are responsible for the inaccurate reporting.
Steps to Address Deceased Reporting Errors on Credit Karma
If you find yourself mistakenly reported as deceased on your credit report, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue.
Step One: Review Your Credit Reports
Obtain your full credit reports from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Carefully review the reports to confirm the error and identify where the “deceased” information is being reported. This will help you pinpoint which bureau contains the inaccurate information.
Step Two: Contact an Attorney
Once you’ve reviewed your credit reports and identified the error, it is necessary to consult an attorney. An attorney for Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) cases can provide guidance and confirm that your dispute is handled correctly.
Legal support can help you navigate the legal process effectively and protect your rights.
Step Three: Dispute Errors with Credit Bureaus
It is recommended to file a formal dispute with the credit bureaus reporting the inaccuracies. You’ll need to send a clear letter to the credit bureaus notifying them of the issue and requesting a correction.
Simply stating, “Credit Karma says I’m dead” will not suffice, which is why it’s advisable to first consult an attorney with experience in credit reporting errors. You must provide evidence that you are living, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued ID, among other documents.
Disputing via USPS-certified mail is recommended, as it provides a paper trail enabling you to confirm delivery of your dispute. This documentation is important should legal action be necessary later. Keep in mind, however, that it is not advisable to do this on your own. Taking action under the guidance of your attorney is most recommended, as they will be able to advise you on the best language and terminology to use to dispute the inaccurate reporting.
Step Four: Wait for the Investigation
Keep detailed records of all correspondence, including emails, letters, and reference numbers associated with your disputes.
If the issue remains unresolved after the 30-day window, your attorney may suggest pulling a new credit report and checking if the disputed information is still showing. As always, it is most advisable to only take action under the guidance of an experienced attorney in this field. Trying to navigate inaccurate credit reporting errors on your own could introduce new problems that weren’t present before.
If the error persists, it could be a violation of the FCRA, and you may be entitled to financial compensation. At this stage, speak to your attorney to discuss your options for recovery.
Preventing Future Deceased Reporting Errors
Once the error is resolved, it’s important to take proactive steps to avoid future issues:
● Regularly Monitor Your Credit: Make it a habit to review your credit reports frequently and monitor your Credit Karma account for unexpected changes. This will help you catch any errors before they begin to cause issues.
● Protect Your Personal Information: Safeguard your sensitive data by using strong, unique passwords for online accounts and being cautious about sharing personal information online. Consider using identity theft protection services that offer real-time alerts for unusual activities.
How Raburn Kaufman Can Help
Raburn Kaufman’s consumer reporting attorneys offer experienced legal representation to address persistent inaccuracies, including when Credit Karma displays deceased reporting errors. With a focus on consumer rights, we aim to achieve fair outcomes for clients affected by such errors in credit reporting.
Credit Karma can be a useful resource for monitoring your credit. However, verifying the accuracy of its information remains important. You can maintain control of your credit profile by understanding your rights and taking the proper steps.
Staying informed and vigilant allows you to make sure your credit profile reflects your true financial health. Contact Raburn Kaufman today for a free consultation to find out how we can help.
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