FCRA Section 605B: Identity Theft Dispute Guide

What Is FCRA Section 605B?

Section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681c-2) provides identity theft victims with the right to have fraudulent information permanently blocked from their credit reports. Unlike a standard Section 611 dispute, which asks the bureau to investigate and may result in the item being "verified," a Section 605B block request requires the bureau to permanently prevent the fraudulent information from reappearing.

This is a critical distinction. With a standard dispute, even if an item is deleted, the furnisher can re-report it and it may reappear on your credit report. With a Section 605B block, the information is permanently blocked and cannot be re-reported.

Who Qualifies for Section 605B Protection

Section 605B protections are available to consumers who are victims of identity theft. This includes situations where:

• Someone opened accounts in your name without your knowledge or permission
• Someone used your existing accounts without authorization
• Fraudulent addresses, employers, or other personal information appear on your report
• Collections appear for debts incurred by an identity thief
• Inquiries were made by companies you never applied to because someone used your identity

Requirements for Filing a Section 605B Block Request

To invoke Section 605B, you must provide the credit bureau with:

1. An identity theft report — This is a report filed with a law enforcement agency (local police department or the FTC). The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov website generates an official Identity Theft Report that satisfies this requirement.
2. Identification of the fraudulent information — You must clearly identify each item on your credit report that resulted from identity theft.
3. A statement that the information is not yours — A written declaration that you did not authorize the accounts, inquiries, or other information.
4. Proof of identity — A copy of your government-issued ID and proof of address.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Section 605B Block Request

Step 1: File an Identity Theft Report

Go to IdentityTheft.gov (run by the Federal Trade Commission) and file an identity theft report. This site will:

• Walk you through the reporting process
• Generate an official FTC Identity Theft Report
• Create a personalized recovery plan
• Provide pre-filled letters for disputing with credit bureaus and creditors

Print and save your Identity Theft Report. You will need the report number for your bureau disputes.

You should also file a report with your local police department. While not always required, a police report strengthens your case and may be requested by some creditors.

Step 2: Get Your Credit Reports

As an identity theft victim, you are entitled to free credit reports beyond the standard annual reports. Request reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com or directly from each bureau. Review each report carefully and identify every item that resulted from the identity theft.

Step 3: Write Your Section 605B Block Request Letters

Send a separate letter to each credit bureau that is reporting fraudulent information. Your letter should include:

1. Your full name, current address, and date of birth
2. Your Social Security number
3. A clear statement that you are a victim of identity theft
4. A specific reference to FCRA Section 605B (15 U.S.C. § 1681c-2)
5. A list of each fraudulent item you want blocked, including account name, account number, and why it is fraudulent
6. A copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report
7. A copy of your police report (if you filed one)
8. A copy of your government-issued photo ID
9. Proof of your current address (utility bill, bank statement)
10. A statement that you did not authorize any of the identified accounts or inquiries

Step 4: Send via Certified Mail

Send each letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested to:

• Equifax — P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
• Experian — P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
• TransUnion — P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016

Step 5: Notify the Fraudulent Creditors

In addition to the credit bureaus, send a letter to each company where a fraudulent account was opened. Under FCRA Section 623(a)(6), once a furnisher receives an identity theft report and a request to stop reporting, they must:

• Stop reporting the fraudulent information to the credit bureaus
• Not sell or transfer the fraudulent debt
• Provide copies of all business records related to the fraudulent account (upon your request)

The Bureau's Obligations Under Section 605B

After receiving your Section 605B block request, the credit bureau must:

1. Block the information within 4 business days — The bureau must block the identified fraudulent information from appearing on your credit report within four business days of receiving your request and all required documentation.
2. Notify the furnisher — The bureau must notify the furnisher that the information has been blocked and include the reason for the block.
3. Prevent re-reporting — The blocked information cannot be re-inserted into your credit report. If a furnisher attempts to re-report blocked information, the bureau must maintain the block.

When the Bureau Can Decline or Reverse a Block

Section 605B allows the bureau to decline or rescind a block in limited circumstances:

• Material misrepresentation — If the consumer made a material misrepresentation of fact in requesting the block
• Consumer obtained the goods or services — If the consumer actually obtained the goods, services, or money associated with the alleged fraudulent account
• Incorrect identity theft report — If the identity theft report was obtained by the consumer in an improper manner

If the bureau reverses a block, it must notify you in writing within five business days, explaining the reason for the reversal.

Warning: Filing a false identity theft report or requesting a Section 605B block for accounts you actually authorized is a federal crime. Only use this process for legitimate identity theft situations.

Section 605B vs. Standard Section 611 Disputes

• Speed — Section 605B requires action within 4 business days. Section 611 allows 30 days.
• Permanence — Section 605B blocks are permanent. Section 611 deletions can be re-reported.
• Proof required — Section 605B requires an identity theft report. Section 611 does not.
• Scope — Section 605B only applies to identity theft. Section 611 applies to any inaccuracy.
• Re-insertion protection — Section 605B prevents the information from reappearing. Section 611 has re-insertion provisions but they are less robust.

Additional Protections for Identity Theft Victims

Fraud Alerts (FCRA Section 605A)

You can place a fraud alert on your credit file, which requires creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts. There are two types:

• Initial fraud alert — Lasts one year. You only need to contact one bureau and they must notify the other two.
• Extended fraud alert — Lasts seven years. Requires an identity theft report.

Credit Freezes

A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report to open new accounts. You must freeze your credit with each bureau separately. Freezes are free and can be temporarily lifted when you need to apply for credit.

Free Credit Monitoring

Identity theft victims are entitled to free credit monitoring. Many bureaus offer this as part of their fraud resolution process. Additionally, if your data was compromised in a breach, the breached company often provides free monitoring.

What to Do If the Bureau Does Not Comply

1. Send a follow-up letter — Reference your original request, the certified mail receipt, and the four-business-day deadline. Remind the bureau of its obligations under Section 605B.
2. File a CFPB complaint — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes identity theft complaints seriously and can require the bureau to comply.
3. Contact your state attorney general — Many states have additional identity theft protections.
4. Consult an FCRA attorney — Failure to comply with Section 605B can result in statutory damages of $100 to $1,000 per violation, actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

How ScoreWipe Assists Identity Theft Victims

ScoreWipe helps identity theft victims by identifying all fraudulent items on their credit reports and generating Section 605B block request letters for each credit bureau. Our AI creates comprehensive, legally cited letters that include all required elements and proper formatting to ensure bureaus cannot reject your request on procedural grounds.