I have had a problem since 1998 with Experian reporting another woman's profile with mine. I get it cleaned up and then another item pops up. This has been going on far too long. I opted out of marketing with all three credit reporting agencies and so have not received much junk in the last two months. Yesterday I received a mailing intended for the "other" of us. How do I know? I don't have a middle name. Never did. She does and it is a "B". Now, where did my address get mixed up with her name? Obviously Experian. I'm opted out so it was NOT intended for me. Now I suspect that the Direct Marketing Association files are what is causing her items to be mixed with mine. I am filing a complaint with the hopes that this will end it once and for all. The really aggravating part is they are requiring a $5.00 fee to register to not be included on their lists on their web site! I couldn't believe it! Just to note, of the things I've received that belonged to this "other" woman were her Prudential Healthcare billing statements! I have notified her (thanks to Experian I know where she lives, all her account #'s, AND even her drivers license #!) but she is quite elderly and I'm afraid she'd become too upset if she really knew the extent of what has been going on.
I would write the lady a kind letter explaining she must correct her address with all the folks she deals with. She can get free address change forms from any PO. Let her know after a couple weeks from the letter you will be marking her mail "Return to Sender, Not at This Address". I guarantee the important stuff (bills) will find it's way to her. I would send Experian a certified letter explaining the details of your problem with the mixed report. Let them know they are reporting incorrect and potentially damaging information on your report. Tell them it is not acceptable and they must take immediate steps to ensure it will not happen again. Let them know that is your final request and should it happen again you will consider it a willful and negligent act and you will be seeking legal assistance. Hopefully they will take steps to block the other lady's info. On the DMA issue, note it only costs $5 when you file online. It's free otherwise. I would send that certified also. http://www.the-dma.org/cgi/offmailinglistdave
SofaKing, Believe me, I have dealt with Experian regarding this matter repeatedly for the last three years. I think they were the original source of the problem, they fixed their end several times, but had already sold their "bad" info to Direct Marketing which is why it keeps coming back to bite me. I now am down to just one account that must be hers. Lo and behold, they claim to have 'verified' this account last month. I plan to go after them hard. I've contacted the creditor via cert.rr but am still awaiting a reply. My biggest fear is that this woman is in the end stages of her life and has outstanding debt for which I may end up having years of disputes about if any of her current creditors try to collect from me, an innocent party. Right now I will not pay the $5.00 and will in fact file a complaint about that. I will contact DMA by certified mail, rr. I hesitate to call the woman again because she is frail and has many problems and doesn't need this at this time. I know she has a nephew and I know his address because he is living in one of her former homes. I may try to contact him. I think I should also contact my local post office and discuss the problem with them to see if they have any solutions.
Mist, The $5 fee is only if you opt out online. It is free when you do it via snail mail. It used to be free online - they just changed it recently. I admire your attitude about not contacting the lady. The mixup is probably in so many databases it will take a while to clear it up. breeze
I know she has a nephew and I know his address because he is living in one of her former homes. I may try to contact him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do call him and explain the basic facts on the phone, and ask to meet him at your house or his house, or a restaurant for a meeting...bring your "paperwork" and explain what is going on...AND YOU WANT HIS HELP. YOU MAY LUCK OUT...he may even be EXECUTOR of her living will...between the two of you, the PROBLEM may go away in two or three months.
George, I'd love to meet the nephew in person to go over all of the paperwork, etc. documenting my travails. Alas, I live in NJ, he lives in NC, and the woman lives in FL. Phone/Fax/E-mail will have to do. LOL
