Can anybody explain to me the consequences of being reported as dead on the credit report? I tried to apply for a loan and got rejected due to this label. I want to know if there are any other negative effects, cause I’m not able to dispute it now. Is my credit score affected in any way by the status? I receive benefits from the Social Security Agency. Will I still continue to receive them, or because of the status I will not be able anymore? My friend, when had an error on his credit report, tried to dispute 3 times, and only after one year, his report was corrected. Is always the process so long?
Consider consulting with an attorney who practices in the area of consumer rights.
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If you’re sure the credit report is inacurrate, you should contact the credit company to inform them of your resurrection and perhaps post your thankfulness for being alive on the November Gratitude thread.
Sorry, I can’t be more helpful. I know from experience how hard it can be to get something that appears to be simple fixed when dealing with bureaucracy. Years ago, I was listed as “male” on my Massachusetts drivers license. The options for proving that untrue were unappealing. It was corrected eventually, but you’d think that my simply showing up at the Massachusetts RMV to point out the problem would be enough. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. Better luck to you.
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There is a federal death registry- I believe it is maintained by the social security administration.
Try calling your local SS office; have your birth certificate and SS card in front of you. They might be able to untangle your issue. I had a problem with an elderly relative whose status was incorrect and the SS helpline was able to correct it over the phone.
The federal registry sends automatic alerts to banks, credit unions, all issuers of credit cards, etc. to prevent family members from transacting after a person is dead (no, you can’t use grandma’s ATM card to book a flight to her funeral unless you are a co-owner of her bank account). I think they should be able to help you.
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@blossom is always helpful. 
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LOL
I know that this is a real problem. But that phrase was dead-on hilarious. So to speak.
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I reached out to this firm https://consumerattorneys.com/practice-area/deceased-reporting, but they told me that the only way to correct my report is by disputing it, and only if after the dispute, the credit reporting agency doesn’t change anything we might sue them. I can’t dispute now, I’m not in the US, and I was wondering only if there are any long-term consequences if I delay the process.
You may not have anything to “dispute” per se.
You aren’t dead. They miscoded something in their database.
The source of death alerts is the federal government (and as long as you have a social security number and documentation that you are who you are-- passport, driver’s license, etc) you don’t need to sue anyone. Call the SS office (where you used to live? the state where the SS number was issued?) and see if they can straighten it out on your behalf.
Sure there are long term consequences if banks, credit card companies, etc. think you are dead. You don’t want your bank account frozen (for example) if they have made the same mistake as the credit report companies.
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Oh, my gosh, my dad is going through this!!
His credit union asked for my mom’s death certificate, so Dad sent it to them. The CU mistakenly listed both her AND him as being deceased!! So checks were rejected, including one for his long term care insurance premium. The bank also notified Social Security that Dad was dead! He’s on the phone with them right now. Good grief.
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So sorry to hear this. Hope it gets resolved quickly!
Another resurrection! Praise the Lord!
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I called my credit company this morning to check my status and they informed me I am alive. Consequently I am now on my way to work. Not sure how I feel about their determination.
Good luck OP and sorry you have to deal with this. Glad you are very much alive!!
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I hope my dad has the same luck! I couldn’t believe it happened to him so soon after your experience!
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