Even if the deceased designation error only exists with one outdated account, filing a dispute with the credit bureau(s) reporting the error gives formal notice that the data leading to you being reported as dead is false. Again, you can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each credit bureau (see above for specific details about how to do this) to review and identify all reporting errors before filing a dispute.

To file a dispute, you will follow the guidelines outlined by the credit bureau(s) online. If only one credit bureau is reporting you as deceased (whether on a single account or your entire profile), you only need to dispute with that bureau. If the errors impact all three credit reports, you must directly dispute with each credit bureau (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).


Why We Recommend Filing Your Dispute Via Certified Mail

The credit bureaus and other CRAs may provide an online dispute platform made available to consumers who wish to dispute information in a credit report. However, using an online platform frequently requires you to waive your right to bring a lawsuit. It is generally not in your best interest to waive your right to file a lawsuit at the outset of the dispute process. So, we strongly recommend disputing false death designations (and any other error) via certified mail. In addition, certified mail keeps you in control of the documentation confirming that you sent, and the credit bureau(s) received, the dispute package.


Send a Certified Letter and Marked Up Copies of Supporting Documents

Generally, filing a dispute will involve sending a dispute letter that identifies all entries on your credit report that are inaccurate, misleading, or false. In the case of false deceased indicators, this may apply to a designation across your entire credit profile. Be clear, precise, and thorough.
Send copies of supporting documentation, including a copy of your credit report with highlighted areas of dispute that are clearly marked and referenced in the letter. Request that the disputed entries/indicators be investigated and corrected. If you do not hear back from the credit bureau within 30 days of receipt of your certified letter, contact Consumer Attorneys.


Being reported as deceased is grounds for a lawsuit.

Notably, if a credit bureau or other CRA is reporting you as deceased, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit even if the bureau corrects the error. For instance, correcting the error may not have prevented you from suffering harm (such as losing out on a mortgage, auto loan, or job opportunity) or from having the error reported to different companies. So, CRAs are not necessarily without fault or liability just because they correct their reports in response to your formal dispute.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides direct contact information for consumer disputes with the Credit Bureaus on its website. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Find much more here about the deceased label https://consumerattorneys.com/article/experian-deceased