1. Cross-check all three bureaus
TransUnion
Often first to show new collections and address variations.
Experian
Frequently differs on dates of last activity and payment history grids.
Equifax
Common source of mismatched high balances and credit limits.
2. Metro 2 compliance audit
Furnishers report data in the Metro 2 format. When the same account reads differently across bureaus, at least one version is inaccurate. We flag:
Date of last activity
Drives how long a negative item can stay. A wrong date can illegally extend reporting.
High balance
An inflated high balance makes utilization look worse than it was.
Credit limit
A missing or low limit can spike your utilization ratio overnight.
Account status & payment grid
Late marks that differ by bureau mean at least one report is inaccurate.
Personal info & addresses
Unknown addresses can signal mixed files or identity issues.
3. Dispute rounds & timelines
Timelines are typical, not guaranteed. No one can legally promise specific results.