The Frustration of Disputing Inaccurate Information with LexisNexis: A Personal Journey

In today’s world, data accuracy is everything—especially when it comes to personal information held by major data brokers like LexisNexis. When this information is misreported, it can lead to significant issues for consumers. Unfortunately, correcting inaccurate information on a LexisNexis report can be a frustrating process, with disputed information often remaining stubbornly unchanged.

Here, we’ll share experiences of some of our consumer clients trying to correct inaccurate information on their LexisNexis reports, despite multiple disputes, and discuss what you can do if you’re facing a similar challenge.

Understanding LexisNexis Reports and Their Impact

LexisNexis is one of the largest data brokers globally, compiling reports that contain a wide range of information, from public records to personal details used for background checks, insurance claims, and more. Given the nature of this information, accuracy is critical. Errors on a LexisNexis report can impact a person’s job prospects, creditworthiness, and insurance premiums.

The stakes are high, so when you find incorrect information on your report, disputing it is crucial. However, the process can be more difficult than it seems.

Consumers’ Experiences with Disputing Inaccuracies

After noticing inaccuracies on their LexisNexis reports, our consumer clients have promptly filed disputes. The process, however, is far from straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of what happened:

1. Initial Dispute Process: Like many people, the consumer clients started by following the standard LexisNexis dispute procedure, submitting evidence and requesting a correction. LexisNexis responded promptly, but to their surprise, the inaccuracies remained on the reports.
2. Submitting Additional Disputes: Not giving up, our consumer clients submitted further disputes, each time providing more evidence to support their claims that the information on their reports was incorrect. With each dispute, however, LexisNexis continued to “verify” the information, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
3. Getting the Same Response: Each time they disputed, LexisNexis verified the information as accurate, seemingly disregarding the supporting documentation that had been provided. Often, to our clients, it felt as if the dispute submissions were going unheard, creating immense frustration and concern.
4. Lack of Transparency: One of the most frustrating aspects of the experience was the lack of transparency in the dispute resolution process. LexisNexis didn’t provide specific details on how they were verifying the disputed information, leaving consumers wondering how to address the issue effectively.

Why Resolving Disputes with LexisNexis Can Be Challenging

LexisNexis, like many data brokers, relies heavily on third-party data sources and automated systems to gather and verify information. Unfortunately, when a piece of information is inaccurate, the same sources and systems that introduced the error might be used to “verify” it, resulting in a vicious cycle where inaccurate data persists.

Additionally, LexisNexis has a vast amount of data to manage, making it more challenging to address each individual dispute accurately and with personalized attention. This often means that even consumers who provide substantial evidence find it difficult to make corrections.

What to Do If You’re Facing Similar Issues

If you’re dealing with repeated verifications of inaccurate information on your LexisNexis report, here are some steps you can take:

1. Keep Detailed Records: Document every dispute you file, including the dates, dispute numbers, and any responses from LexisNexis. This documentation can help if you escalate the issue or decide to seek legal advice.
2. Escalate the Dispute: If LexisNexis repeatedly verifies incorrect information, consider escalating your dispute by contacting consumer protection agencies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Many consumers find success when external pressure is applied.
3. Consult Legal Assistance: In cases where inaccurate information is causing harm, consulting with an attorney specializing in consumer rights may be worthwhile. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires reporting agencies to provide accurate information, and persistent inaccuracies may be grounds for a legal complaint.
4. Consider Opting Out: While it may not be feasible in all cases, LexisNexis does offer opt-out options for some of their data products. However, opting out may also limit access to some services, so weigh the pros and cons.

Final Thoughts

Disputing inaccurate information with LexisNexis is challenging, and it’s a process that sometimes requires persistence, escalation, and external support. If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take. While companies like LexisNexis have a responsibility to maintain accurate records, consumers also have the right to demand accuracy—and even the legal means to enforce it when necessary.

Data accuracy should be a priority for data brokers, and consumer protections should be strengthened to ensure companies like LexisNexis uphold their responsibilities to report accurate information.

 

Contact us today at 1-877-735-8600 or fill out our online form for a free consultation, and let us help you.