Trans Union combined my credit history with another person with a similar name!!!

There were over 85 non-applicable and very injurous entries in my file. I am still angry about this stupid mixing of vital data.

I told them to correct it and they did, however it didn't take long for another false entry to show up. I put the freeze on and I will freeze all three eventually and keep them frozen..forever!

I don't like this credit system at all and I want out. If any of you know a way (other than using only cash) to get out of the credit system just inform me with your comments. I truly believe that American citizens have to act together to break this chain of serfdom.

You can certainly elect not to use credit, although I would still suggest that you try to avoid a low FICO. Not only can a low score result in higher rates on necessary credit (mortgage, car, etc) but some insurers, employers, landlords, etc. consider FICO as well. As far as I know, there is no way to purge your records from the credit bureaus as the lenders report information to them. (There are people out there who lack a credit history to be sure, but this simply means that they have not used credit, not that Experian et al do not have a record of their existence).

You did a great thing for yourself by freezing your credit. The credit bureaus do not promote this option because it effectively eliminates the need for pricey credit monitoring services and can even it make it harder for the bureaus to sell your information. Rest assured, however, that a frozen credit report is one of your most powerful tools in preventing ID theft, and the only real "hassle" is not being able to open new a credit line every time a sales clerk asks you to.

I would be interested to see more people talk about why this practice is not more widespread (except among ID-theft victims). It seems like a fine thing to do, although maybe I've missed something?

There are no words powerful enough to express the utter disgust we should have for the concept and practices of Credit Scoring Companies. Their stated reason(s) for existence should be brightly lit neon red flags in every Americans' mind as foul and vile! The three companys' purpose is singular, to empower and enable the piracy capabilities and practices of loan sharks to corral and fleece Americans.

In my opinion these companies are part and parcel of the largest swindling, organized crime syndicate on the planet and should be villified, prosecuted and jailed for their active traitorous roles in the destruction of America, and its citizens' lives.

To say that government ovesight of these parasites is inadequate and collusive is an understatement. How did the power of life and death, thriving and bankruptcy find its way into the hands of such collusive, coercive tools of torture and coercion as this Tribunal of the Big Lie? How many lobbyist dollars did it take to establish three base camps for the Devils' work?

The Congress of the United States needs to take the actions that will lead to the dissolution of the "foundation of greed" that these three have so firmly established in our midst but alas, their terrible influence reaches too deeply into our governments wallets. Our legislators are bought and paid for by self-interested con artists who have foisted the greatest swindling act of all time on what was once the wealthiest nation of all time.

Kill the Credit Agencies.

I totally agree with all the comments. I find that Experian is the worse. I have filed disputes with all three with info that is no longer valid on my credit report (over 10 yrs and not bankruptcy). Two of them updated my report and removed the old files, however, not Experian! Why is it that what is good for the goose is not always good for the gander?? I thought the credit reporting agencies had the same federal guidelines, but they do not all adhere to those! I also like how you don't apply for credit and when you check your "free" credit report you end up having all of these inquiries!! and to top it all off, you applied with none of those companies and gosh forbid when you call those companies they say that it wasn't them! I agree, get rid of the Credit Agencies or have the government enforce the guidelines not only to the credit agencies but also to the companies that report to them!

One thing this article failed to mention is that lenders use different credit reporting agencies (like Factual Data or Equifax Mortgage for example) to obtain the scores and credit report from the three bureaus.  These scores often vary greatly.  So if you went to a mortgage broker your Beacon could be 720.  They send your file in to the underwriter, who also pulls a credit report, and you Beacon score is 690.  The Equifax Beacon score should be the same no matter what, but it will vary depending on the company providing the report.  Also, the scores you will get from a website like myFICO.com are typically much higher than what a lender will pull.  I was a mortgage loan processor for 8 years, and these are just a few of the terrible things I saw.  The three credit bureaus treat the Fair Credit Reporting Act like it's just another roll of toilet paper.

The three credit bureaus along with the FICO system is a crime in itself. Here are a few examples to prove my point. First, information is never recorded accurately. Secondly, why are the three major credit bureaus in existence when all banks, mortgage lenders, and car dealers use a different scoring system that is not available to the public? Finally, why is a consumer’s financial status solely based on an illegitimate and corrupt system? A class action lawsuit should be filed against the three major credit bureaus for misappropriating information and complicating people lives! The FICO system does not work. The banks disregard the FICO system because they are using legal tactics to purposely mess up a person’s credit score especially when they have a good credit history. The banks and also the credit bureaus must be overhauled and regulated. Weather you are rich or poor there should be only one universal FICO formula. There should also be only one credit score too.

If freezing your credit report is a safe way to stop ID thief I would like to know how to go about this.

This credit bureau system sounds like a real mess. Three different reports, three different scores, three different names all for the same thing?

Also where can I get my score for free, I went to the free annual report  I could not get my score for free only my report. Why do the banks and car dealers use a different system that's not available to the public, this is our credit report, this don't make sense to me at all.

The credit reporting system is a sham.  It doesn't help you to pay off any debt that is in collection. Any negative information is still reported for at least 7 years, even if you have negotiated a payoff or paid the full amount.  

This has nothing to do with race or color, money only!!

I mostly agree with all the comments made. I believe that FICO is keeping most individuals that are working hard everyday down, rather you be black, white, asian or others. I feel that if its going to report on your income to debt ratio then ask me for my income. Most of the time they have no idea. I still have jobs on there that I had in high school and its not accurate information. I also am ready to get rid of them because me working everyday and making an honest living, I should be able to get the thing that I can afford otherwise I would not be trying so hard. I pay rent now and want to buy a home and the mortgage, insurance, and hoa will be like adding a 100 dollars more than my rent and you mean to tell me I can't be a homeowner because of mistakes I made 4 or 5 years ago?? That to me is bull crap So please someone explain it to me..