My credit report shows my credit rating: Myth.
Technically, there is no such thing as a credit rating. Credit reports are only
useful by their ability to accurately reflect a consumer’s credit history
and ability to make repayment of debts on time.
My credit report and credit score are the same thing: Myth.
Your credit report is a listing of demographic information, credit accounts and
your payment history. A credit score is a point system that the majority of creditors
use to determine the amount of risk involved in lending you money - will you repay
it according to the agreed terms? Credit scores can make a significant difference
in the interest rate terms you’ll be offered for future credit.
My credit score is a set number: Myth.
Your credit score is re-calculated each time your credit report file is accessed.
Credit scores are determined by placing a point value on your payment history, how
much you owe on all your accounts compared to the credit available to you, length
of your credit history, amount of new credit you have sought, and the types of credit
you are using.
Savvy consumers need to
understand the reality of
credit reports.
Only myself and creditors I allow may view my credit report: Myth.
Not only do creditors view your credit report but also insurance companies, employers
and landlords. Your private information can and is sold to others by the credit
bureau without your permission or knowledge. Examples of these activities are the
many credit solicitations you receive in the mail each month.
As long as I make my payments on time I don’t have to worry about my credit
report: Myth.
Experts now recommend you review your credit report on a least an annual basis.
Careful monitoring of your credit report is often the first indication available
that you have been a victim of identity fraud.
Credit reports contain only accurate information: Myth.
Some estimates say ninety percent of all credit reports contain inaccuracies. As
many as 80% could have errors that would negatively affect a credit score. The types
of errors surveys and searchers have found on credit reports include errors of personal
identifying or demographic information, such as name, address, social security number,
inaccurate reporting of consumers’ account status and data, such as limit,
balance, or terms, improper or inadequate purging of outdated information, missing
information or data and information or data from the credit reports of other consumers.
Even more serious errors include accounts incorrectly marked ‘delinquent’,
credit accounts listed that do not belong to the consumer, and reports listing public
records or judgments that belong to someone else. The prevalence of errors on credit
reports has sprouted numerous companies that will review your credit report for
you (at a premium price, of course) and report any errors found to you. Many of
these companies are off shoots of the same credit reporting agencies that list the
errors on your credit report, creating lingering questions about conflict of interest.
There are companies who will fix my credit: Myth.
A search of the World Wide Web also shows a number of companies that claim they
can remove derogatory information from your credit report for you or correct errors,
again, at a premium price. As a smart consumer you should recognize that as the
scam it is and that some of these companies make recommendations to their ‘clients’
that encourage dishonesty and in some situations, illegal behavior. First, only
you can complete the process to correct errors on your credit report, and secondly,
accurate information (even if it is derogatory) will not be removed from your credit
report. The only remedy for accurate derogatory marks on your credit report is time
and an improved repayment history.
My ‘bad’ credit will drop off of my credit report after 7 years: Myth.
While there are some parts of your credit report that will be deleted after 7 years,
this does not apply to all listings. There are many different factors and limitations
that affect the length of time listings remain on a credit report. More important
to your ability to get future credit, is the debt resolved or paid in full?
CAF assists clients to
monitor their credit report
on an annual basis.
I must hire a company to review and monitor my credit report: Myth.
Credit Advisors Foundation reviews and monitors your credit report as part of your
debt management program service. What does CAF look for during a credit report review?
Within the first six months of your program CAF conducts an initial review of your
credit report. At that time, your credit report is compared to your debt management
program application. Any differences or inaccuracies we note may be reported to
you to confirm our findings. (Are the accounts yours? Were you aware of them? Should
they be included in your DMP?) If these differences or inaccuracies are determined
to be errors, CAF Client Care can walk you through the process necessary to request
corrections by the credit reporting agencies. After the initial review, CAF completes
periodic reviews of your credit report. During these reviews any changes or new
differences may also reported to you and we will again assist you in completing
the process to correct any determined errors. Credit report reviews are just one
more advantage you receive in your debt management program with Credit Advisors
Foundation. By including this credit report review service, the average savings
for our clients’ is $60 to $100 annually, as well as, lowering your risk of
identity theft. Learning how to complete a credit report error complaint can save
you time, and stress and lower the amount of interest you pay on future credit.
All of which, assists you to maintain diligence in monitoring your credit report
yourself.