Dispute LexisNexis Report: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Dispute a Claim on Your LexisNexis Report: A Comprehensive Guide

If you find inaccurate information on your LexisNexis report that’s hindering your access to credit, insurance, employment, or other opportunities, you have the right to dispute it. Obtain your report, identify the errors, gather supporting documentation, and formally dispute the inaccurate information with LexisNexis either online, via mail, or by phone. Documentation is key to a successful dispute.

I understand how frustrating it can be to find inaccurate information on your LexisNexis report. I was applying for a small business loan after years of saving, when the lender flagged discrepancies in my LexisNexis report that contradicted my financial records. This threatened to derail my entire application. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, based on my own experience.

Understanding the Problem: Why Dispute a LexisNexis Report?

LexisNexis Risk Solutions collects and aggregates data from various public and private sources. This data is used to generate reports that businesses use for risk assessment, identity verification, and fraud prevention. Common uses include:

• Insurance Underwriting: Insurance companies use these reports to assess your risk and determine premiums. Inaccurate information could lead to higher premiums or even denial of coverage.
• Credit Applications: Lenders might use LexisNexis reports to verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness, although traditional credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are more frequently used.
• Employment Screening: Some employers use LexisNexis reports to verify your background and assess your suitability for a role.
• Tenant Screening: Landlords may use these reports to evaluate potential tenants.

Inaccurate information in your report can stem from several sources:

• Mistaken Identity: Information belonging to someone with a similar name might be incorrectly associated with your profile. This happened to me!
• Outdated Data: Information may be outdated or no longer relevant.
• Data Entry Errors: Simple typos or errors during data entry can lead to inaccuracies.
• Fraudulent Activity: If your identity has been stolen, fraudulent activity could be reported on your LexisNexis report.

It’s crucial to correct these inaccuracies as quickly as possible to prevent negative consequences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disputing Your LexisNexis Report

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of how to dispute inaccurate information on your LexisNexis report, informed by my own experiences and the best practices I learned:

1. Obtain Your LexisNexis Report

The first step is to get a copy of your LexisNexis report. You are entitled to a free copy annually under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You can request your report in the following ways:

• Online: Visit the LexisNexis Personal Reports website. You’ll need to provide personal information for verification.

• Phone: Call LexisNexis Consumer Center at 1-888-217-0185.

• Mail: Download and complete the Personal File Disclosure Request Form from the LexisNexis website and mail it to:

  LexisNexis Risk Solutions Consumer Center P.O. Box 105108 Atlanta, GA 30348-5108

Important: Always keep a record of your request, including the date, method used, and any reference numbers provided.

2. Review Your Report Carefully

Once you receive your report, review it thoroughly. Pay attention to the following:

• Personal Information: Verify your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• Public Records: Check for any errors in court records, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, and other public records.
• Professional Licenses: Ensure that your professional licenses are accurately listed and current.
• Address History: Confirm that your address history is accurate.
• Affiliations and Associations: Note any affiliations or associations listed and verify their accuracy.

Highlight or mark any information that is incorrect, incomplete, or outdated.

3. Gather Supporting Documentation

This is perhaps the most crucial step. The more documentation you provide, the stronger your case will be. Gather documents that support your claim of inaccuracy. Examples include:

• Corrected Records: If a public record is incorrect, obtain a corrected copy from the relevant court or government agency.
• Proof of Identity: Provide copies of your driver’s license, Social Security card, or passport to verify your identity.
• Proof of Address: Provide copies of utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements to verify your address.
• Payment Records: If the dispute involves financial information, provide bank statements, cancelled checks, or payment receipts.
• Letters from Creditors/Agencies: If the information is from a creditor or agency, obtain a letter confirming the inaccuracy.

Make copies of all your documentation. Never send originals.

4. Prepare Your Dispute Letter

While you can dispute online or by phone, I highly recommend submitting your dispute in writing. This provides a clear and documented record of your complaint. Your dispute letter should include the following:

• Your Full Name and Address:
• Date of the Letter:
• LexisNexis File Number (if available): This can be found on your report.
• Specific Information You Are Disputing: Clearly identify each inaccurate item.
• Explanation of Why the Information is Inaccurate: Provide a detailed explanation of the errors.
• Supporting Documentation: List the documents you are including as evidence.
• Request for Correction or Deletion: Clearly state that you are requesting that the inaccurate information be corrected or deleted from your report.
• Your Signature:

Example Dispute Letter Snippet:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]

LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Consumer Center
P.O. Box 105108
Atlanta, GA 30348-5108

RE: Dispute of Information in LexisNexis Report - [Your File Number (if known)]

Dear LexisNexis Risk Solutions,

I am writing to dispute inaccurate information in my LexisNexis report. Specifically, the report incorrectly states that I filed for bankruptcy in 2015. This is false. I have never filed for bankruptcy.

To support my claim, I am including the following documents:

*   [Copy of a letter from my bank stating I have never been associated with any bankruptcy proceedings.]

I request that you investigate this matter and remove the inaccurate bankruptcy information from my report.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

5. Submit Your Dispute

You can submit your dispute to LexisNexis via:

• Mail: Send your dispute letter and supporting documentation to the address listed above. Use certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure that LexisNexis receives your dispute.
• Online: If you have an online account, you may be able to submit your dispute electronically. Follow the instructions on the LexisNexis website.
• Phone: Call the Consumer Center at 1-888-217-0185. While possible, I don’t recommend this as it lacks a paper trail.

6. Follow Up

LexisNexis is required to investigate your dispute within 30 days. They will then notify you of the results of their investigation. If they find that the information is inaccurate, they will correct or delete it from your report.

• Keep Records: Keep copies of all correspondence with LexisNexis, including your dispute letter, supporting documentation, and their response.
• Follow Up: If you do not receive a response within 30 days, contact LexisNexis to inquire about the status of your dispute.
• Re-Review: Once the investigation is complete, request another copy of your report to ensure that the inaccurate information has been corrected or deleted.

7. Escalate If Necessary

If LexisNexis denies your dispute, or if you are not satisfied with the outcome of their investigation, you have the right to appeal their decision.

• Re-Submit: You can resubmit your dispute with additional documentation or a more detailed explanation of the errors.
• File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Seek Legal Advice: If the inaccurate information is causing significant harm, you may want to consult with an attorney.

## My Experience & Quick Fix

When I was disputing the inaccuracies related to that non-existent business loan, the sheer volume of information on my LexisNexis report felt overwhelming. The ‘quick fix’ that ultimately worked for me was focusing on the source of the incorrect data. I noticed several errors stemmed from an outdated public record filed in a county I hadn’t lived in for over 10 years. I contacted the county clerk’s office directly, obtained an official corrected record, and included that as the primary piece of evidence in my dispute letter. While I initially included lots of documents, this single, official correction from the originating source proved decisive. It demonstrated that the error wasn’t just a typo by LexisNexis, but a fundamental flaw in the underlying data they were reporting. Once I submitted the corrected record, the issue was resolved within a week.

Understanding Costs & Time Investment

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs and time involved in disputing a LexisNexis report:

Note: Costs for gathering documents can vary depending on the need to order certified copies of records. Mailing costs include certified mailing with return receipt.

Final Thoughts

Disputing a LexisNexis report can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process. But it’s essential to protect your rights and ensure the accuracy of the information being used to make important decisions about your life. By following the steps outlined in this guide and remembering to be persistent and thorough, you can successfully correct inaccurate information and safeguard your future. Remember, I’ve been there, and while it took time and effort, correcting my LexisNexis report gave me back control and allowed me to finally secure that small business loan. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I request a free copy of my LexisNexis report?

You are entitled to one free copy of your LexisNexis report annually under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

How long does LexisNexis have to investigate my dispute?

LexisNexis is required to investigate your dispute within 30 days of receiving it.

What should I do if LexisNexis denies my dispute?

If LexisNexis denies your dispute, you can resubmit it with additional documentation, file a complaint with the CFPB or FTC, or seek legal advice.

What kind of documentation should I include when disputing a LexisNexis report?

Include any documents that support your claim of inaccuracy, such as corrected records, proof of identity, proof of address, payment records, or letters from creditors/agencies.

Is it better to dispute a LexisNexis report online, by mail, or by phone?

While you can dispute online or by phone, submitting your dispute in writing via mail is recommended. This provides a clear and documented record of your complaint. Use certified mail with return receipt requested.