Fix Credit Report Errors: Inaccuracies on a credit report can be the result of human error and therefore aren't difficult to dispute. Whether the inaccuracies relate to payments not credited, late payments, or data mixed in from the credit file of someone else with a similar name, contact the appropriate credit bureau that issued the report. To fix credit report errors or disputes, supply the bureau with payment receipts, proper identity, etc.

The big three credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- process huge amounts of information. A 2004 study found that 25 percent of the credit reports surveyed had errors that were serious enough to cause consumers to be denied credit.

Usually, consumers find out about errors in their credit reports after they're denied credit. To fix credit report errors, here's what to do:

Contact each bureau by phone. Get the full names of people you talk to as well as their supervisor names. Follow up each phone call with a letter which details the conversations you've had.

You want a copy of the UDF, or universal data form. It's a document that your creditor transmits to the credit bureaus when they fix credit report errors. It tells the credit bureau what sort of change is being made: a balance update, a payment history change, an update of current status, or deletion because of error or some other reason.

If the creditor won't send a UDF, ask for a letter confirming that the creditor notified the credit bureau of the inaccuracy and requested a correction.

Obtain addresses for Trans Union, Experian and Equifax to send credit bureau disputes. Be sure to send your credit dispute letter via certified mail to ensure receipt.

Avoid common mistakes that can lower credit report scores:

Pay bills on time. Lenders and credit card issuers review your past history, and often put more emphasis on this one area.

Pay at least the minimum amount required. If you don't pay at least the minimum, creditors are likely to report you as being past due.

Keep debt to a minimum. Don't max out or charge near the limit on your credit card.

Don't accumulate too many credit cards. Even if you rarely use them, or pay them off in full each month, or never use them at all, having too many open lines of credit can be viewed by creditors as a potential debt risk.

Periodically check your credit report. Review your credit report from all three major credit bureaus about once a year, and especially before you apply for major credit such as a home or auto loan. You can't fix credit report errors unless you know they exist, and which agency is reporting the error.

Use your full legal name on bank accounts, credit applications and other documents that become part of your credit history. Never leave off a Junior, Senior or similar designation, and never use a nickname. By using your full legal name, it can help to avoid having your credit report tarnished with errors caused by someone with a name similar to yours.

Notify creditors whenever you change your name or address. If you get married and change your name, or if you change your address and this information doesn't match what's being reported by the credit bureau or other creditors, this can prompt a red flag about a potential fraudulent account. This type of credit report error can easily be avoided by notifying your creditors beforehand.

Order your credit report so you can check for and fix errors you may find. Each credit bureau; Equifax, Transunion and Experian, may report differently and have different scores. Use our free credit check to gauge how well you are currently managing your credit.

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