Disputes and Fraud

Account takeover means a situation where someone gains control of an existing credit account without the consumer's permission.

Card-network dispute reversal process used when an issuer pushes a challenged transaction back through the payment system.

Credit freeze means a restriction that limits access to a consumer's credit report for most new credit checks.

Credit lock means a bureau-controlled tool used to restrict or manage new-credit access to a consumer's file.

Dispute and fraud terms that explain identity protection, file freezes, and the steps used to challenge or contain harmful credit activity.

Fraud alert means a notice on a credit file telling lenders to use extra caution when reviewing new credit requests.

Misuse of personal information to open accounts, make charges, or impersonate a consumer in credit activity.

Mixed credit file means a credit file that contains information belonging partly to another person.

Fraud that combines real and fake identity details to create a false borrower profile that can later be used to open credit.

Unauthorized account means a credit account appearing on the report that the consumer did not open or approve.

Unauthorized charge means a transaction the consumer did not approve or initiate.

Unauthorized inquiry means a credit-report inquiry the consumer does not recognize or did not permit.

Unauthorized use means a card account or card number is used without the consumer’s permission to make transactions.