Category
What we look for
Why it matters
Identity and account match
Names, addresses, account numbers, dates opened, account types, and creditor identity.
Mismatches can point to mixed files, duplicate accounts, or unsupported reporting.
Balance support
Statements, payment history, charge-off balance, fees, interest, credits, and recoveries.
A balance should be explainable through records, not simply repeated across reports.
Ownership and assignment
Original creditor, current owner, collector authority, transfer history, and servicing status.
The reporting or collecting party should be able to show its relationship to the account.
Reporting behavior
Monthly updates, remarks, late markers, closed dates, collection status, and dispute codes.
Inconsistent reporting can create an inaccurate picture of the consumer's file.
Communication history
Prior disputes, creditor replies, collection notices, phone logs, emails, and mailing receipts.
The timeline shows whether the parties responded properly and what issues remain unresolved.
Collateral and recovery
Repossession records, sale notices, insurance credits, deficiency calculations, mortgage servicing notes, and escrow activity.
Secured-account balances often depend on events beyond the monthly statement.
Business and guarantor records
Vendor files, merchant agreements, guarantees, invoices, receivables, payment processors, and business credit reports.
Owners need to separate personal liability, business records, and reporting issues before taking action.