Stall Tactics Used by Credit Bureaus
It should not be a wild stretch of imagination to think that the three credit bureaus are on your side when it comes to correcting errors in your credit reports. Why should they hold back on removing erroneous items which affect your score in an unfair manner? However, this is what they do.
If you have already filed your dispute, then this is a must-read for you.
Stall Tactics Used By Credit Bureaus
For some reason, the three credit bureaus prefer to stall your claim and make you wait for something that is legally and rightfully yours. Maybe they don’t want to admit that a mistake has been committed. These bureaus are human, after all. However, that does not allow them the right to keep you waiting. However, this is what they do.
Another reason why the bureaus may use these tactics is to frustrate you and push you towards dropping your dispute. They play on your patience.
The Two Plays
Based on our experience in disputing unverifiable and erroneous items with the big three (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian), our financial experts have identified the two main types of stall tactics that they employ:
- Claiming Your Dispute Is Suspicious
The credit bureaus are very smart. They know that you are filing the dispute through a credit repair agency. They use this as an excuse to discard the request as suspicious (not sent by you). Then they tell you that since the request may not have originated from you, law enforcement agencies may have to be involved to verify it. Observe how they play on your mind by using law enforcement as a possible deterrent so that you don’t pursue the case further.
- Claiming Your Dispute Is Frivolous
The credit bureaus leave no stone unturned in discrediting your dispute. They bring out the big guns of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to say that the items you have disputed are irrelevant. Section 611 of the FCRA gives them the required ammunition to stall your credit repair. They may even lay the blame on you, suggesting that enough information regarding the claim was not provided.
What You Can Do
There are countermeasures against these stall tactics:
- Remember to send your photo ID and proof of address with your dispute form.
- Dispute only 2-3 items per month.
- Remind the bureaus that the unnecessary stall tactics they indulge in is a violation of the FCRA.
As always, it’s best consult professionals if you plan on repairing your credit. We know how the credit bureaus operate, and we know how to effectively dispute items.
Tired of being hassled by collectors and ignored by the credit bureaus? At Action Credit Repair, our experts will provide a personalized credit consultation, an audit of your credit history, and offer solutions to all of your credit obstacles. Contact us today to speak with an experienced professional: Call 518-945-2299 or email [email protected].