SPOT THE CREDIT REPORT SABOTAGE — The Checklist That Could Save Your Score
1 in 4 credit reports contains damaging errors
Use this credit error checklist and learn how R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys can help restore your credit—and your peace of mind.
One Mistake Could Cost You Thousands
Your credit report is more than just a snapshot of your financial history—it’s a gatekeeper for your future. It affects your ability to rent a home, finance a car, get a credit card, or even land a job. But here’s the problem: 1 in 4 credit reports contains errors—and many go unnoticed until it's too late.
If you're in California, you have rights under both federal and state law to correct inaccurate credit reports. R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys help clients fight back when reporting agencies drop the ball.
But first—you need to know what to look for.
Use This Checklist to Catch Credit Report Errors Before They Harm You
The article on page 1 outlines a step-by-step guide to reviewing all three of your credit reports—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. While the layout may differ slightly, all reports include the same core sections.
Let’s walk through what you should be checking in each.
1. Personal Information
This section often contains the earliest signs of identity mix-ups.
Check for:
Incorrect or outdated names, addresses, or phone numbers
Wrong Social Security numbers or duplicates
Multiple dates of birth
Incorrect marital status (e.g., listing a former spouse)
If your file has been merged with someone else’s due to a common name or similar identifier, this is where the trail starts.
2. Public Records
On page 2, the report explains that credit bureaus list bankruptcies, liens, and judgments here—but they don’t always get it right.
Be wary of:
Bankruptcies older than 10 years
Judgments or lawsuits older than 7 years (10 for CA civil judgments)
Liens that were paid off but still marked as unpaid
Records from someone else’s divorce or financial settlement
These errors are especially damaging and should be prioritized for correction.
3. Credit Accounts (Tradelines)
This is where the most damaging mistakes tend to hide.
Look for:
Accounts that aren’t yours
Incorrect delinquency dates or balances
Closed accounts still marked as open or active
Bankruptcy accounts misclassified or misreported
Duplicate listings for the same account
Errors resulting from identity theft
Dispute notations missing after you've challenged an account
Even small inaccuracies in this section can seriously tank your credit score.
4. Inquiries
Credit inquiries show who has requested your report. While some are legitimate, others may be impermissible—and potentially illegal.
Flag any inquiries from:
Creditors related to closed or discharged accounts
Auto dealerships when you only asked for a quote
Retailers or employers who pulled your credit without written consent
You have the right to challenge these inquiries and request their removal.
Found a Mistake? Here’s What to Do Next
On page 3, the article outlines next steps once you’ve identified a problem.
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys can help you:
File formal disputes with all three credit bureaus
Gather supporting documentation to prove inaccuracies
Communicate directly with creditors to ensure full corrections
Pursue legal action if reporting agencies fail to correct errors
Recover damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Not every mistake is just a clerical error. Some result from identity theft, data breaches, or negligent reporting practices. You deserve justice—and a clean credit report.
We Fix Credit Report Errors—And Hold Agencies Accountable
At R23 Law, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across California reclaim control over their financial reputation. If your credit report is holding you back due to someone else's mistake, we’re here to help.
Your credit is too important to leave unchecked.
Let our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys help you get the truth—and the results—you deserve.
