Did Your Twin’s Information Show Up on Your Credit Report?

One of the most common causes of inaccurate information on credit reports and background checks is the mixing of information belonging to two different people, often because of similar names and addresses.  This is a particularly common problem with twins, who share a date of birth as well as last name and usually address history.  This can cause particular problems when one twin has bad credit, criminal history, or past evictions.  But even “positive” credit history, like a mortgage or a credit card balance paid on time, can cause problems when it paints an inaccurate picture.  If your twin’s information is appearing on your credit report or background checks to an employers or landlord, you have the right under the FCRA to dispute the information and have it removed.

These errors are not just a problem for the twin with inaccurate information on their credit report or background report – the other twin is also impacted because his or her information has been published to a creditor, landlord, employer, or other third party who does not have legal authorization to see it.   The person who the information actually belongs to may therefore also have a claim under the FCRA.

If you’ve experienced issues with your twin’s information appearing on your credit report or background check, you’re not alone. This mix-up can cause significant problems, including being denied loans, housing, or job opportunities—or even being held responsible for debts or a criminal history that isn’t yours. Fortunately, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to correct these errors and prevent further harm.

What Can You Do if Your Twin’s Information Appears on Your Credit Report or Background Check?

 

1. Obtain Copies of Your Reports Start by requesting copies of your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and any background check reports you suspect are inaccurate. Federal law entitles you to one free credit report per year from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. Review the Reports Carefully Check for any accounts, addresses, names, or public records that belong to your twin and not you. Pay close attention to items like:
   • Credit card accounts
   • Loans
   • Criminal records
   • Evictions
   • Employment histories
3. File a Dispute Under the FCRA, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information. Send a written dispute to the credit reporting agencies or background check companies, identifying the specific errors and providing documentation (e.g., proof of your identity or statements confirming you don’t own certain accounts). Credit bureaus and reporting agencies are legally required to investigate disputes, typically within 30 days.
4. Contact the Furnisher of the Information If a creditor, landlord, or employer provided incorrect information to a reporting agency, you can also dispute the error directly with them. They are obligated to investigate and correct the issue if they find it is inaccurate.
5. Monitor Your Reports After the errors are corrected, continue monitoring your credit reports and background checks to ensure the mix-up doesn’t happen again. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service for added peace of mind.
6. Seek Legal Help If your disputes don’t resolve the issue or if the mix-up has caused significant harm, such as job loss, denied housing, or emotional distress, you may have grounds to take legal action. The FCRA provides consumers the right to sue for damages caused by reporting errors.

How Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. Can Help

Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. has substantial experience in helping consumers correct errors on their credit reports and background checks—especially in complex cases like those involving twins. Our team understands the unique challenges of these situations and can:

• Help you gather evidence to support your dispute.
• Handle communications with credit bureaus, background check companies, and furnishers.
• Represent you in legal action to recover damages if your rights under the FCRA were violated.

Francis Mailman Soumilas has successfully handled many cases involving twin mix-ups on credit reports and background checks.  Through litigation, we have gotten inaccurate information corrected, and gotten compensation for our clients, at no out of pocket cost to them.

If you’ve been impacted by a twin mix-up, you don’t have to face this alone. Fill out our form for a free case review or call us at 1-877-735-8600. You’ll get expert legal advice with no obligation and no out-of-pocket costs to you.

Taking action now can not only resolve the current issue but also prevent further complications for both you and your twin in the future.