These mistakes can ruin your credit score.

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Do you know the difference between 550 and 780? Yes, they differ by 230 digits, but they are examples of bad and good credit scores, respectively.

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If you don’t check yours regularly, now is the time to start. Small mistakes are more common than you think, and they can do some serious damage to your credit score. I’ll let you in on the most common credit report errors and what you can do to fix them.

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Step 1: Get your free credit report

The three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) are required by law to provide one credit report per year. Sweet. There are a few ways you can request a copy from each agency.

It’s the fastest way online. If you submit a request by phone or mail, expect to wait two weeks after the paperwork arrives.

Online: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
Phone: 877-FACT (877-322-8228)
Letter: Download and complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form. Send it to: Annual Credit Reporting Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

For a tip: From your report Fourth credit bureau, Innovisas well as.

January 31, 2019 Close up of a man with a smartphone and a laptop computer. (Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)

Step 2: Look for the most common mistakes

Typos or incorrect information: Anything from your name to your address is misspelled or your birthday is missing a number. Minor mistakes can merge your credit with someone else’s.

Accounts you don’t know: If you see something you don’t know, don’t ignore it! This includes credit cards you never applied for, loans in your name, or purchases you never made.

Duplicates: It’s not uncommon to see duplicate debts on your credit report. This includes things like the same collection account, transferred debts that appear as separate accounts, or unpaid debts that are still sitting there.

Incorrect account information: Sometimes payments may erroneously appear late, or closed accounts may still appear active. Other times, reports may show incorrect credit limits or distort your payment history.

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Outdated information: Delinquencies more than 10 years old, payments more than seven years old, and past-due collection accounts should not appear on your credit report.

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Step 3: Report anything strange

Don’t panic! Write down and copy anything that appears, then file a dispute with the credit reporting company by mail, phone or online.

If you’re filing online or by mail, explain exactly in writing what it is and why, and include copies of documents with proof. Be sure to include your contact information, credit report reference numbers, and a copy of your credit report.

Top corner of consumer credit report from credit bureau Equifax, text credit file and personal identification, on light wood floor, September 11, 2017. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

And always stay tuned! Offices must review your dispute within 30 days. Follow the process until you get a resolution in writing. If your argument is correct, the office should correct it and tell the other offices.

Most of these issues come down to good old human error. It happens, but don’t let that stop you from taking responsibility.

Get your work number when you work

Equifax maintains a database of 716 million income and employment records, including potential ones. It’s called a job number, and employers use it to verify who you are.

Your Employment Information Report (EDR) includes information such as where you worked, when you worked there, and your past salary numbers.

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Are you trying to find a new job? An employer can use your EDR to find your past salary range and get you a lower-ball deal. And, of course, Equifax sells your EDR to anyone who buys it, including debt collectors.

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How to stop

can you Freeze your EDR Just like a credit report. You can also see who has tried to find you in the last two years. To do this, you need to create an account with a work number.

Search for your current or former employer(s) using their Name or employer code (The nine-digit number on your W-2).
Click on their name and then Register now. Attention: It will ask for your social security number.

Once you’ve registered, check your report and make sure it’s accurate. Fill this out Data argument form If you find something fishy.

A credit card will appear with the restaurant bill. (iStock)

Then go back to the dashboard and click Secure your data. fill out Data stoppage form And submit. Job Number Confirmation Letter from A Pin. Save your PIN in your password manager. If you want to make your resume fearless, you need it.

You can always log in to the job number or call to pick up your report.

If you can’t find your employer: You may not be registered with a job number. Call the Freeze Helpline at 1-800-367-2884 to double check.

Unless you are actively applying for loans or government benefits, or an employer actively requests your EDR, it makes no sense to withhold it. And if a potential employer wants to check your EDR to hire you, it’s probably not the right one.

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