Consumer Bureau Now Taking Credit Report Complaints

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the new federal watchdog agency, will help people resolve their issues with the credit bureaus.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to hear your credit report complaints. The bureau, which was created by Congress to protect consumers, announced earlier this week that it is now accepting these types of complaints, along with complaints about credit cards, mortgages, bank accounts, private student loans, and vehicle or other consumer loans.

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Credit reports are generated by credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and the information in these reports can affect your ability to get a loan, credit card or even a job. That's why it's important to address any errors in your report.

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The bureau can help consumers with the following types of credit report issues:

- Incorrect information on a credit report

- A consumer reporting agency's investigation

- Improper use of a credit report

- Inability to get a copy of a credit score or file

- Problems with credit monitoring or identity protection services

Consumers can file complaints online at www.consumerfinance.gov/Complaint/. However, the CFPB recommends that consumers with credit report complaints should address the issue with the credit reporting agency first (see How to Fix an Error on Your Credit Report). If you're unhappy with the resolution, you can file a complaint with the CFPB and it will assist you in resolving the complaint.

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Cameron Huddleston
Former Online Editor, Kiplinger.com

Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.

Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.