Dispute LexisNexis Report: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Dispute Errors on Your LexisNexis Report: A Comprehensive Guide

If you find errors on your LexisNexis report impacting your credit or opportunities, you can dispute them. The key is to understand your rights, obtain your report, identify inaccuracies, and formally dispute errors with clear documentation. Patience is essential, but with the right knowledge, you can navigate the process effectively.

I was once denied a credit card due to inaccurate information on my LexisNexis report, which led to a frustrating situation. I’ll guide you through the steps to fix it, drawing from my experience.

Understanding Your Rights & LexisNexis

It’s crucial to understand your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA grants you the right to:

• Access your consumer report: You have the right to know what information LexisNexis is holding about you.
• Dispute inaccurate information: You have the right to challenge information you believe is incorrect or incomplete.
• Have errors corrected: LexisNexis is obligated to investigate your dispute and correct any verified errors.

LexisNexis, particularly its Risk Solutions division, provides consumer reports to businesses for credit risk assessment, tenant screening, insurance underwriting, and employment background checks. These reports, compiled from public records, can sometimes contain errors.

Obtaining Your LexisNexis Consumer Report

To dispute anything, you need to see your report. Here’s how to get it:

1. Online Request: This is generally the fastest method. Visit the LexisNexis Personal Reports website (search “LexisNexis Personal Reports” on Google). Provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number (or a portion thereof), and other identifying information. You’ll likely need to provide verification documents.

2. Phone Request: Request your report by phone. Search online for their official contact number for personal reports. Be prepared to answer security questions and provide identifying information.

3. Mail Request: Send a written request to LexisNexis Consumer Center. This takes the longest. Include a copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued ID, a copy of a utility bill or other proof of address, and your Social Security number. Address the letter to: LexisNexis Risk Solutions Consumer Center, P.O. Box 105108, Atlanta, GA 30348-5108.

Keep detailed records of all requests and communications with LexisNexis, including dates, methods, and confirmation numbers. This documentation is vital if you need to escalate your dispute later.

Identifying Inaccuracies in Your Report

Carefully review every detail in your LexisNexis consumer report, paying attention to:

• Personal Information: Verify your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Even small typos can cause problems.
• Address History: Check for any addresses you’ve never lived at. This is a common source of errors and can indicate potential identity theft.
• Public Records: Review information from court records, such as lawsuits, bankruptcies, or judgments. Ensure the details are accurate and pertain to you.
• Professional Licenses: Confirm that any professional licenses listed are accurate and current.
• Affiliations: Note any business affiliations or connections. Investigate any that seem incorrect or unfamiliar.

Even seemingly minor inaccuracies can impact your creditworthiness. Don’t dismiss anything without considering its potential impact.

Preparing Your Dispute Letter

Prepare a formal, clear, concise, and well-documented dispute letter. Include:

1. Your Identifying Information: Full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
2. Report Identification Number: If your report includes a specific identification number, include it.
3. Clear Statement of the Dispute: Clearly state which specific information you are disputing and why. Be specific about the errors. For example, instead of saying ’the address is wrong,’ say ‘The address listed as 123 Main Street is incorrect. I have never lived at that address.’
4. Supporting Documentation: Include copies (not originals!) of documents supporting your dispute, such as:
   • A copy of your driver’s license or other government-issued ID.
   • Copies of utility bills or bank statements showing your correct address.
   • Court documents proving that a judgment or lawsuit does not pertain to you.
   • Letters from creditors or other relevant parties.
5. Request for Correction or Deletion: Clearly state what you want LexisNexis to do: correct, update, or delete the information.
6. Your Signature: Sign and date the letter.

Example Dispute Letter Excerpt:

Date: October 26, 2023

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

Subject: Dispute of Inaccurate Information in Consumer Report

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to dispute inaccurate information contained in my consumer report. My identifying information is as follows:

*   Full Name: John Doe
*   Address: 456 Oak Avenue, Anytown, USA
*   Date of Birth: January 1, 1980
*   Social Security Number: XXX-XX-1234
*   Report Identification Number: [If applicable, include it here]

I am disputing the following information:

The address listed as "123 Main Street, Anytown, USA" is incorrect. I have never lived at that address. I am attaching a copy of my driver's license and a utility bill as proof of my current and correct address.

I request that LexisNexis remove this incorrect address from my consumer report.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Sending Your Dispute Letter

Send your dispute letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides proof that LexisNexis received your letter. Keep the certified mail receipt and the return receipt for your records.

The Investigation Process

Once LexisNexis receives your dispute letter, they are required to investigate the disputed information within 30 days. They will contact the source of the information (e.g., a court, a creditor) to verify its accuracy.

During the investigation, LexisNexis may request additional information from you. Respond promptly and provide any requested documentation.

Following Up & Escalating Your Dispute

If you don’t receive a response from LexisNexis within 30 days, or if you are not satisfied with the results of their investigation, you have the right to escalate your dispute.

1. Contact LexisNexis Again: Send another letter, reiterating your dispute and referencing your previous correspondence.
2. File a Complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The CFPB is a federal agency that enforces consumer financial laws. Filing a complaint with the CFPB can put additional pressure on LexisNexis to resolve your dispute.
3. Consult with an Attorney: If the inaccuracies in your LexisNexis report have caused you significant financial harm, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in consumer protection law.

My Experience & Quick Fix

My biggest hurdle was the sheer volume of incorrect addresses listed on my report. I had to meticulously document each one, gathering proof (lease agreements, old bills from my actual addresses) to refute the erroneous entries.

My Quick Fix: What worked best for me was to focus on the most impactful error first. In my case, it was an address associated with a fraudulent account opened in my name. Once I provided proof of the fraud to LexisNexis and law enforcement, the dominoes started to fall. Removing that significant error seemed to trigger a more thorough review of my report. Specifically, I filed an Identity Theft report, included a copy of the police report with my dispute, and that made a SIGNIFICANT difference. Previously, simply saying “this isn’t my address” wasn’t enough. Proving identity theft was.

Furthermore, I used the CFPB complaint form. I know it’s another step, but it made LexisNexis take me seriously!

Data Visualization

Here’s a simple table illustrating the potential costs associated with disputing information with LexisNexis:

Conclusion

Disputing inaccuracies with LexisNexis can be a time-consuming process, but it is essential for protecting your financial health and reputation. By understanding your rights, obtaining your consumer report, carefully identifying errors, and preparing a well-documented dispute letter, you can navigate the process effectively. Remember to follow up regularly and escalate your dispute if necessary. Don’t give up until the inaccuracies are corrected! Your persistence will pay off in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?

The FCRA is a federal law that protects consumers’ credit information. It grants you the right to access your consumer report, dispute inaccurate information, and have errors corrected by LexisNexis.

How long does LexisNexis have to investigate my dispute?

LexisNexis is required to investigate the disputed information within 30 days of receiving your dispute letter. During the investigation, they will contact the source of the information to verify its accuracy.

What should I do if LexisNexis does not respond to my dispute within 30 days?

If you don’t receive a response from LexisNexis within 30 days, you have the right to escalate your dispute. You can send another letter, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or consult with an attorney.

What kind of documentation should I include with my dispute letter?

Include copies (not originals) of any documents that support your dispute. This might include a copy of your driver’s license, utility bills, court documents, or letters from creditors.