The CFPB publishes a list of consumer reporting agencies, aka credit reporting agencies, aka “credit bureaus,” beyond just the “big three” (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union). If you have any issues with false information, you should request disclosure of your credit files from all these other guys.
Accruint, Lexisnexis, Innovis, and, depending on the extent of your issue, also a number of employment background screening companies, landlord-tenant, utilities, insurance, etc.
Here’s a link to where the CFPB maintains their list. It doesn’t get updated as much as it used to. So you need to independently verify all the information. You cannot assume that this list is complete or up-to-date. YOU must verify all contact information and company particulars for yourself.
Here is a direct link to the 2025 CFPB list of additional background check and consumer reporting companies: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_consumer-reporting-companies_list_2025.pdf
Again, you should independently go to each company’s website to ensure that the address is up-to-date, since the CFPB does not appear to have updated their list in 2026. Also, some companies prefer you print out their special form and fill it out instead of sending a letter, so I’ll say it a third time — look at each company’s instructions!
Ok, now you have your list — it’s time to start making credit file disclosure requests.
Each of your letters needs to be printed out, signed with a pen, and scanned as a PDF file or photocopied before you mail it. Just saving a Word document on your computer is not good enough.
Send them via certified mail, return receipt requested, and save your mail receipts.
Different background check companies make you do the file request different ways, so pay close attention to what kind of identification, information, or request form is required by each of them!
Pay close attention to the instructions listed by each company for types of photo ID or information they want, because some of them are quite particular. You might need to make slight adjustments to the sample letter or reference different pieces of ID.
Yes, this can be a lot of work. Yes, it’s a hassle to print out and mail all this stuff. But, you want to get to the bottom of your problem, right? Read the instructions from each company carefully so that you don’t have to do it a second or third time because of missing information.
Again, blah blah, I CAN MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS THAT THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE OR AT THE CFPB IS ACCURATE OR UP-TO-DATE. YOU MUST VERIFY THIS FOR YOURSELF BY VISITING THE WEBSITE FOR EACH BACKGROUND CHECK CRA. I PUBLISH INFORMATION HERE AS A CONVENIENCE, AS CONSUMER EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION, AND NOT AS LEGAL ADVICE.
Questions? Reach out through my Contact page.