If “Factual Data” shows up on your credit report, it’s likely tied to a mortgage application. Here’s what it means, how it affects your credit score, and what to do if the inquiry wasn’t authorized.
What Is Factual Data?
Factual Data is a credit reporting agency that provides mortgage lenders with detailed credit information about potential borrowers. Their specialty is merged credit reports, which combine data from all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—into one comprehensive file.
Mortgage companies rely on these reports to evaluate your credit history during the loan approval process.
Why Factual Data Appears on Your Credit Report
If you applied for a mortgage, your lender may have used Factual Data to pull your credit report. This process triggers a hard inquiry, which shows up on your credit report under the name “Factual Data.”
Even if your loan application was denied or never finalized, the inquiry may still remain on your report.
How Factual Data Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
Hard inquiries usually lower your credit score by just a few points. A single inquiry won’t hurt much, but multiple inquiries over a short period can add up—especially if you’re applying for other types of credit at the same time.
To avoid unnecessary damage to your credit, it’s smart to space out applications and monitor your reports regularly.
How Long Factual Data Inquiries Stay on Your Credit Report
Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for up to two years. That said, their impact on your credit score typically fades after about 12 months.
If the inquiry was authorized, there’s no need to take action. But if you don’t recognize it, you should look into it further.
What to Do If You Didn’t Authorize the Factual Data Inquiry
If you find an unfamiliar Factual Data inquiry on your report, follow these steps:
- Contact Factual Data to ask for details about the inquiry and verify which lender requested it.
- Gather documentation related to any mortgage applications you made—or didn’t make.
- Dispute the inquiry with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if it was made in error or without your consent.
- Monitor your credit reports to make sure no other suspicious activity appears.
- Place a fraud alert or freeze your credit if you suspect identity theft.
Factual Data Contact Info:
Factual Data – Consumer Assistance
400 Holiday Dr., Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: (800) 216-3463
How to Remove Factual Data From Your Credit Report
If the inquiry wasn’t authorized or was added in error, you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus to have it removed. Each bureau allows you to submit disputes online, by phone, or by mail.
If you’d prefer expert support, a reputable credit repair service can handle the process for you. Credit Saint helps clients challenge unauthorized or inaccurate entries, including:
- Hard inquiries
- Late payments
- Collections
- Charge-offs
- Repossessions
- Foreclosures
- Bankruptcies
Get Help Improving Your Credit
If hard inquiries or other negative marks are affecting your credit, Credit Saint may be able to help. Their team has helped thousands of people remove damaging items and build stronger credit.
They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee to give you peace of mind while you get started.
Visit their website today to see how they can help you take control of your credit.
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