A credit report is a record of credit accounts and repayment information supplied by lenders to credit information companies. If a detail looks unfamiliar or wrong, check the underlying statement before assuming it is an error. A correction request asks the organisations holding the data to investigate; it does not guarantee that a particular score will change.
First identify the exact mismatch
Download your report from the credit bureau using its official website and complete its authentication steps yourself. Compare the account name, last digits, account status, balance, payment history and enquiry date with your own lender statements. Look for duplicate accounts, a loan that was already closed, a payment marked late despite proof, or an enquiry you do not recognise. Do not send a full report or identity documents through an unsolicited message or to an unverified agent.
Raise a traceable correction request
Use the bureau's official dispute channel and select the specific account or field. Give a short description, the reporting lender if known, the relevant dates and only the evidence the secure form requests. Save the complaint reference and a copy of what you submitted. You can also ask the lender through its official grievance channel to check what it reported. The bureau may need the lender to confirm or update the information before the report changes.
Track the response and escalate carefully
Check the bureau and lender response against your complaint reference. If the information is confirmed as accurate, ask for the reason and the underlying account records. If the issue remains unresolved, use the lender's and bureau's published grievance escalation process, then check whether the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme applies to the entity and complaint. Keep dates, replies and payment evidence together.
RBI's 2023 framework provides for compensation in qualifying delayed correction cases after the overall 30-calendar-day period, subject to the framework's conditions and apportionment rules. It is not an automatic payment simply because a complaint takes time. Review the official circular before relying on it.
Keep your identity safe
- Never share an OTP, password, PIN, CVV or full card credentials.
- Use contact details published on the lender or bureau's official website.
- Keep the complaint number, submission date and response.
- Recheck the report after the dispute is resolved.
Sources: RBI, Framework for Compensation to Customers for Delayed Updation/Rectification of Credit Information, 26 October 2023; RBI, Free Annual Credit Report to Individuals, 1 September 2016. Check the current bureau process and applicable rules. This is general education, not legal advice.