Dispute LexisNexis: Step-by-Step Error Correction

How to File a Dispute with LexisNexis: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your LexisNexis report holding you back? You can dispute errors online, by mail, or phone. Review your report, document inaccuracies, and submit a detailed dispute. LexisNexis is legally required to investigate and fix any incorrect information. Our guide breaks down the process to help you correct your report and improve your profile.

It happened to me when I was applying for a new credit card. I received the dreaded denial letter, and buried within the fine print was the reason: discrepancies flagged by LexisNexis Risk Solutions. We know the feeling of panic when a LexisNexis report unexpectedly throws a wrench in your plans. Whether it’s affecting your ability to secure a loan, rent an apartment, or even get a job, inaccurate information on your LexisNexis report can be incredibly disruptive.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Dispute with LexisNexis

LexisNexis Risk Solutions compiles data from various public and private sources to create reports used by businesses for risk assessment. These reports might contain information related to your credit history, criminal records, property ownership, professional licenses, and more. A dispute is necessary when you find errors in this information that negatively impact your opportunities.

1. Obtain a Copy of Your LexisNexis Report

Before you can dispute anything, you need to access your LexisNexis report. This is your crucial first step.

• Why it’s Important: You can’t fix errors if you don’t know they exist! Requesting your report allows you to review all the information LexisNexis has compiled about you.

• How to Obtain Your Report:

  • Online: The quickest way is through the LexisNexis Personal Reports website. (The specific URL can vary; search ‘LexisNexis Personal Reports’ on Google to find the most up-to-date link.) You’ll typically need to create an account and verify your identity.

  • By Mail: You can also request a copy by mail. Send a written request including your full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number (or a copy of your Social Security card) to:

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

  • By Phone: In some cases, you may be able to request a report over the phone, but this option might be limited. Check the LexisNexis website for the current phone number.

• Cost: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to a free copy of your LexisNexis report once every 12 months. You are also entitled to a free copy if you’ve been denied credit, insurance, or employment based on information in the report within the last 60 days.

2. Carefully Review Your Report

This is the most critical step. Comb through every section of the report with a fine-tooth comb.

• What to Look For:

  • Inaccurate Personal Information: Incorrect name, address, Social Security number, date of birth.
  • Incorrect Legal Records: Erroneous criminal records, lawsuits, judgments, or liens. Make sure the record truly pertains to you and not someone with a similar name.
  • Incorrect Property Information: Inaccurate property ownership details.
  • Outdated Information: Information that is older than the permissible reporting period (typically 7-10 years, depending on the type of information).
  • Incorrect Professional Licenses: Inaccurate information about professional licenses held.
  • Mixed Files: Information that belongs to someone else with a similar name (a common issue).

• Documentation: As you identify errors, make detailed notes and gather any supporting documentation that proves the inaccuracy. For example:

  • Incorrect Address: Utility bill, lease agreement, or driver’s license with your correct address.
  • Incorrect Criminal Record: Court documents showing dismissal or acquittal.
  • Mixed File: Driver’s license or other ID to prove you are not the other person with the similar name.

3. File Your Dispute

Once you’ve identified the errors and gathered your documentation, it’s time to officially file your dispute. LexisNexis offers a few ways to do this:

• Online Dispute:

  • This is usually the fastest and most efficient method. Log in to your LexisNexis Personal Reports account (the same one you used to obtain your report).
  • Locate the section for filing disputes.
  • Clearly identify each error you’re disputing.
  • Provide a detailed explanation of why the information is inaccurate. Be specific!
  • Upload your supporting documentation.
  • Submit your dispute.

• Dispute by Mail:

  • Write a formal dispute letter. The letter should include:

    • Your full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
    • A clear identification of each item you are disputing (referencing the specific section and line number in the report).
    • A detailed explanation of why the information is inaccurate.
    • Copies (never originals!) of your supporting documentation.
    • A clear statement of what you want LexisNexis to do (e.g., ‘Please remove this inaccurate record,’ or ‘Please correct the address to reflect my current address’).

  • Mail your dispute letter and supporting documentation to:

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

• Dispute by Phone:

  • While less common and often less effective, you may be able to file a dispute by phone. Check the LexisNexis website for the current phone number for consumer disputes.
  • Be prepared to provide all the information you would include in a written dispute letter.
  • Keep detailed notes of your phone conversation, including the date, time, the name of the representative you spoke with, and the outcome of the call. It’s tough to prove what you talked about later on if it’s just a phone call.

4. Follow Up and Track Your Dispute

After submitting your dispute, it’s essential to follow up and track its progress.

• Keep Records: Maintain copies of all correspondence you send to LexisNexis, including your dispute letter, supporting documentation, and any acknowledgment receipts you receive.
• Check for Updates: If you filed your dispute online, check your account regularly for updates. If you filed by mail, wait a reasonable amount of time (typically 30-45 days) before contacting LexisNexis to inquire about the status of your dispute.
• Consider Certified Mail: When disputing by mail, sending your letter via certified mail with return receipt requested provides proof that LexisNexis received your dispute.

5. Understand Your Rights Under the FCRA

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants you specific rights when disputing information with credit reporting agencies and other data providers like LexisNexis.

• Right to Dispute: You have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information in your report.
• Investigation Requirement: LexisNexis is required to investigate your dispute within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days).
• Reinvestigation: LexisNexis must reinvestigate the disputed information and verify its accuracy with the source of the information.
• Deletion or Correction: If the investigation reveals that the information is inaccurate or incomplete, LexisNexis must delete or correct it.
• Notification of Results: LexisNexis must notify you of the results of the investigation in writing.
• Right to Add a Statement: If LexisNexis verifies the information as accurate but you still disagree, you have the right to add a brief statement to your report explaining your side of the story.
• Right to Sue: If LexisNexis fails to comply with the FCRA, you may have the right to sue them in federal court.

6. What Happens After LexisNexis Responds?

After LexisNexis completes its investigation, it will notify you of the results.

• Favorable Outcome: If LexisNexis agrees with your dispute and corrects or deletes the inaccurate information, review your updated report carefully to ensure the changes were made correctly. Also, request LexisNexis to send corrected reports to anyone who received the incorrect one in the past (this is crucial!).

• Unfavorable Outcome: If LexisNexis verifies the information as accurate, you have several options:

  • Add a Statement: As mentioned earlier, you can add a brief statement to your report explaining your side of the story. This statement will be included whenever your report is accessed.
  • Re-dispute: You can re-dispute the information, providing additional evidence or a different argument. Sometimes a second attempt yields different results.
  • File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  • Consult with an Attorney: If the inaccurate information is causing significant harm, you may want to consult with an attorney specializing in consumer protection law.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Dispute

• Failing to Obtain Your Report First: You can’t dispute what you don’t know.
• Providing Insufficient Information: Be specific and detailed in your dispute letter or online submission.
• Sending Original Documents: Always send copies of your supporting documentation, never the originals.
• Giving Up Too Easily: If your initial dispute is unsuccessful, consider re-disputing or exploring other options.
• Not Keeping Records: Maintain copies of all correspondence and documentation related to your dispute.

My Experience & Quick Fix

My LexisNexis report contained an old address from a previous state that I hadn’t lived in for over seven years. This outdated address was causing issues with identity verification for online transactions and was the ‘discrepancy’ that triggered my credit card denial. I know how frustrating this error can be!

Here’s what specifically worked for me:

1. Online Report Request: I used the LexisNexis Personal Reports website to download my report.
2. Detailed Online Dispute: I filed my dispute online. I made sure to clearly state that the address was outdated and provided a copy of my current driver’s license showing my correct, current address.
3. Key Tactic: The Magic Words ‘FCRA Violation’: In my explanation, I explicitly stated that reporting an address this old potentially violated the FCRA guidelines on permissible reporting periods.
4. Fast Resolution: To my surprise, LexisNexis corrected the error within one week! It was significantly faster than the typical 30-day timeframe. The ‘FCRA Violation’ terminology, I suspect, expedited the process.

The Quick Fix: Explicitly mentioning potential FCRA violations in your dispute explanation can potentially speed up the investigation and resolution process. It signals to LexisNexis that you understand your rights and are serious about getting the error corrected.

Costs & Data

Note: You are entitled to one free LexisNexis report annually.

Conclusion

Disputing errors on your LexisNexis report can feel like a daunting task. However, by following these steps, understanding your rights, and being persistent, you can successfully correct inaccuracies and protect your access to credit, housing, and employment opportunities. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and ensure the information being used about you is accurate and fair. The potential benefits of a corrected report are well worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I get a free LexisNexis report?

You’re entitled to one free LexisNexis report every 12 months under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You can also get a free report if you’ve been denied credit, insurance, or employment based on the report’s information within the past 60 days.

What’s the quickest way to file a dispute with LexisNexis?

Filing a dispute online through your LexisNexis Personal Reports account is generally the fastest and most efficient method. You can directly identify errors, provide explanations, and upload supporting documentation.

What should I do if LexisNexis doesn’t correct the error after my dispute?

If LexisNexis verifies the information as accurate despite your dispute, you have several options: add a statement to your report, re-dispute the information with new evidence, file a complaint with the CFPB or FTC, or consult with an attorney.