You might be surprised to see multiple names listed when you get your credit report. In most cases, you don’t need to worry. In fact, there are often multiple names listed on a credit report. So why is this the case? There are several reasons why you might have multiple names on your credit report. 

In this post, we share more about why there may be multiple names on a credit report and what to do if a wrong name on your credit report is causing problems with your credit score. 

Previous or Maiden Name on Credit Reports 

If you have ever changed your name, whether due to marriage or any other reason, it is possible that your previous or maiden names may still appear on your credit reports. This can happen for various reasons, such as an account not being updated with your new name after the name change.  

While having your previous name on your credit reports should not have a negative impact on your credit scores, it can be confusing and may make it more difficult for you to be approved for new credit products. Additionally, if you are trying to keep your financial life separate from a former spouse after a divorce, this can present challenges. 

How to Address an Outdated Name on Your Credit Reports 

There are a few ways to address this issue. First, you can contact the lender and ask them to update your name change on their records. This may not always be possible, especially if the account is closed.  

You can also send a letter to the credit reporting agency requesting they update your name change on your credit report. Finally, you can include a note explaining the situation whenever you apply for credit in your new name. 

While it should not significantly impact your credit score, it is best to keep your credit report updated with your current name and information. 

Misspelled Name on Credit Reports 

If you have a misspelled name on your credit report, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. A misspelled name can negatively impact your credit score and make obtaining new lines of credit more challenging. 

How to Address a Misspelled Name on Your Credit Reports 

There are a few steps you can take to address a misspelled name on your credit report: 

Contact the major credit bureau that issued the report and request an amendment. Include documentation with your amendment request that proves your correct name, such as a copy of your driver’s license or passport.  

Once the amendment has been processed, recheck your credit report to ensure the misspelled name has been removed. If the misspelled name is still appearing on your credit report, you can file a dispute with the credit reporting agency. Include documentation of your accurate name and proof that the misspelling is inaccurate. 

You can also contact the creditor who reported the misspelled name and request that they update their records. Again, include documentation of your accurate name and explain that the issue is impacting your credit score. 

Wrong Name on a Credit Report 

If you see a wrong name on your credit report that is completely unfamiliar to you, it might be a sign of identity theft. This is mainly done to commit crimes and fraud. 

There are several signs that might indicate you are the victim of identity theft, including: 

• Receiving bills or collection notices for products or services you didn’t purchase 

• Receiving unexpected credit cards or account statements 

• Seeing inquiries from companies you didn’t contact 

• Your credit report shows accounts that you didn’t open. 

What to Do if Your Identity Has Been Stolen 

Identity theft can have a significant impact on your finances and your credit score. However, if you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, you can take steps to help protect yourself and your credit. 

• Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: Contact the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file, or freeze your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened. 

• Review and Dispute Your Credit Report: Dispute any unfamiliar names or fraudulent accounts directly with the credit bureaus to remove them. 

• Notify Creditors: Notify creditors of any fraudulent accounts opened in your name. Request they close or block these accounts and provide any necessary documents, such as a police report. 

• Use a Fraud Restoration Service: Fraud restoration services, like those offered by MyScoreIQ, can help you recover from identity theft. Experts can assist with disputing fraudulent activity, contacting creditors, and restoring your credit. MyScoreIQ also offers identity theft insurance to cover the costs of recovery. 

• File an Identity Theft Report: File a report with the FTC to create a recovery plan. You may also need to file a police report depending on the severity of the theft. 

• Secure Your Accounts: Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication on sensitive accounts like email and banking to prevent further breaches. 

• Monitor Your Credit: Ongoing credit monitoring is key to early detection. MyScoreIQ provides 24/7 credit monitoring with real-time alerts to possible suspicious activity. 

Names With a Financial Relationship on Credit 

A few different types of names can appear on your credit report with a financial relationship. These include:  

• Creditors 

• Creditors’ names may appear on your credit report if you have an outstanding balance with them. 

• Collection agencies 

• The original creditor may sell your debt to a collection agency if you have delinquent accounts. The collection agency’s name can then appear on your credit report. 

• Lenders 

• If you have applied for a loan, the lender may pull your credit report as part of their decision-making process. Therefore, the lender’s name can appear on your credit report as an inquiry. 

If you see a name with a financial relationship on your credit report that you don’t recognize, this also might be a sign of identity theft. You can check your credit report regularly to ensure the information is accurate and up to date. 

You can file a dispute with one of the three major credit bureaus if you see an inaccuracy on your credit report. It’s important to understand why there are multiple names on your credit report. And, if there is an inaccuracy, you take action to help protect and monitor your credit and identity.  

FAQs — Wrong Name on Credit Report 

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about what to do if there is a wrong name on your credit report. 

What should I do if my credit report has the wrong name? 

Contact the credit bureau to request a change and provide documentation, such as a driver’s license or passport. If the name is unfamiliar, it could indicate identity theft. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze and sign up for credit monitoring to track possible suspicious activity. 

Can I dispute a debt if my name is wrong on my credit report? 

Yes. Contact both the creditor and the credit bureau to dispute the inaccuracy, providing proof of your accurate name. If identity theft is involved, take further action, such as placing a fraud alert or credit freeze. 

Who do I call if I have an inaccuracy on my credit report? 

Contact the major credit bureaus to file a dispute. You can also contact the creditor to dispute the information. If identity theft is suspected, consider adding a fraud alert or credit monitoring for protection. 

Why would someone else’s name be on my credit report? 

An unfamiliar name on your credit report may signal identity theft. This can happen when someone opens an account with your social security number but a different name. If you see this, it’s important to take action right away.  

Bottom Line

While having multiple names on your credit report can be harmless, it can sometimes lead to confusion or even be the first sign of identity theft. Understanding why these names appear and taking prompt action to dispute any inaccuracies is key to protecting your credit health. Whether it’s a previous name, a misspelling, or an unfamiliar name, addressing these issues helps maintain a clean and accurate credit report.  

To stay on top of your credit and catch issues early, it’s important to monitor your credit report regularly. With MyScoreIQ, you can keep track of your FICO® Scores – the ones most lenders rely on – giving you the confidence to make informed financial decisions. Plus, your MyScoreIQ plan comes with $1 million identity theft insurance underwritten by AIG, so you are protected if your identity is stolen. Get started with MyScoreIQ today and take charge of your financial future.