Credit report errors and “re-aging” explained
You can fix wrong information on your credit report for free — and “re-aging” to extend reporting is against the law.
Education only. Not legal advice, not a determination of your rights, and not a recommendation to take any action. Facts, contracts, deadlines, and current law can change the outcome. For your situation, talk to a qualified professional.
Get your reports free
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized site for free credit reports. You are entitled to a free report from each bureau. Reading your report is the first step — it does not hurt your score.
Dispute mistakes in writing
If a debt is wrong, not yours, already paid, or too old to be reported, dispute it with the credit bureau in writing. Include proof. The bureau must investigate, usually within 30 days. Fixing inaccurate information is your right — removing accurate negative information that is being reported correctly is not guaranteed.
What “re-aging” is
Re-aging is when a collector or furnisher resets the date a negative item falls off your report — making an old debt look new. That is illegal if done to extend the reporting period. If you see it, dispute it and report it to the CFPB.
Do not promise a score
This page does not promise your score will rise. Different debt choices affect credit differently. The goal is accurate reporting — not a quick fix and not credit repair.
Official sources
- AnnualCreditReport.com
- CFPB — Dispute a credit report error
- FTC — Disputing errors on your credit reports
Last reviewed 2026-10-12. Sentinel Answer · San Jose, California.