FAQs

Payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit used, and recent credit inquiries are primary factors influencing credit scores.

A higher credit score generally leads to better borrowing terms, such as lower interest rates and higher credit limits, while a lower score might result in less favorable terms or even rejection of credit applications.

Yes, credit scores can impact various aspects of life, including renting an apartment, getting insurance, obtaining a cellphone contract, or even securing a job, in some cases.

It’s a good practice to check your credit report at least once a year from each of the major credit bureaus to ensure accuracy and to detect any potential errors or fraudulent activity.

If your credit report incorrectly lists you as deceased, contact an attorney for representation. A false deceased indicator can freeze accounts and trigger automatic denials for credit, housing, and employment. Our attorneys at Raburn Kaufman help consumers nationwide, correct false deceased notations pursue compensation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

This error is most commonly caused by credit file mixing, where a bureau merges your file with another consumer’s information. Similar names, Social Security numbers, shared addresses, or joint accounts are frequent triggers. Our legal team identifies the source of the error and holds the responsible bureau accountable under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Any major credit reporting agency can make this mistake. Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, Innovis, and LexisNexis have all been involved in deceased reporting errors. We review all bureau reports to determine where the error originated and how far it spread.

Yes. When a family member or joint account holder passes away, shared identifying information can cause a deceased status to “leak” onto another consumer’s file. This form of file mixing rarely resolves on its own and often requires legal action to correct the errors in your records.

Our attorneys at Raburn Kaufman can guide you through this process and ensure your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are protected.

Because every case is different, it’s impossible to say how long it will take to correct the inaccurate reporting through litigation. However, our attorneys at Raburn Kaufman will walk you through every step and make sure all your questions are answered during your free consultation.

Yes. Being falsely reported as deceased is a serious error under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and our attorneys at Raburn Kaufman can help you take legal action to correct it and pursue compensation for your damages.

Yes. A deceased indicator can freeze accounts, halt credit activity, and trigger automatic denials. Many consumers only discover the problem after being denied a loan, apartment, or job despite having no preexisting credit issues.

A credit reporting attorney reviews your documents, identifies responsible bureaus or data furnishers, and files a lawsuit on your behalf under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Raburn Kaufman represents consumers nationwide who are dealing with inaccurate deceased notations.

A mixed credit file occurs when a bureau combines information from multiple consumers into one report. This often happens due to similar names, partial Social Security number matches, or shared addresses, such as between parents and children. These errors reflect breakdowns in bureau accuracy procedures.

File mixing typically results from inadequate matching systems, flawed algorithms, and insufficient verification safeguards.

No. File mixing is a reporting error caused by bureau data failures, while identity theft involves fraud by a third party. Although the results may look similar, the legal claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act can be very different.

Mixed files are notoriously difficult to correct through online disputes alone. Because incorrect data often reappears, legal action is frequently required to  have a permanent separation of the files and stop future damage.

Yes. Mixed files can lower credit scores, cause denials, increase interest rates, and interfere with employment or housing decisions until the underlying reporting failures are corrected.

Yes. Credit bureaus are legally required to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy. When file mixing occurs, our attorneys evaluate whether the bureau violated its obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Documents needed to dispute a mixed file may vary by the case. This is something our attorneys go over in our free consultations.

Contact an attorney for representation. Inaccurate background checks can cost you employment, housing, or licensing opportunities. Our attorneys help consumers nationwide, challenge background check errors and hold reporting companies accountable under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

A failed background check based on inaccurate information can cause you to lose a job offer, be denied housing, or miss out on professional opportunities. If you are the victim of an inaccurate background check, you may be entitled to compensation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

Red flags often include criminal records, credit issues, or personal information that does not belong to you. In many cases, these red flags result from reporting errors, mixed files, or outdated data rather than accurate background history.

You should be concerned about any inaccurate background check result. Even small errors can influence hiring, housing, or licensing decisions. Consumersoften underestimate the impact of minor inaccuracies until they result in automatic denial or lost opportunities.

Yes. Employers and landlords rely heavily on background checks, and even minor inaccuracies can trigger automatic rejection until the error is corrected.

Yes. If a background check company reports inaccurate information, causes harm, and fails to correct it after notice, legal action may be an option under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Timelines vary based on the nature of the error and the reporting company’s response. This would be discussed in your free case review with one of our attorneys.

An attorney can step in when legal action is necessary to hold background check companies accountable under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and have the errors corrected through litigation.

If you are dealing with a false deceased indicator, mixed credit file, or inaccurate background check anywhere in the United States, these errors rarely resolve on their own and often escalate over time.

Raburn Kaufman represents consumers nationwide in federal Fair Credit Reporting Act claims.

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