Action 9: Woman denied credit because she was listed as dead

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Creditors denied a local woman credit because they thought she was dead. She said she couldn't even get someone on the phone to clarify she is very much alive.

Mary Ball, 77, is alive and well, but when she applied for credit, she was denied. Credit reporting companies said she was deceased.

Ball thinks credit bureaus made the mistake because she had several joint accounts with her husband and he passed away in 2004. She said she attempted to contact the credit bureaus and the credit card companies that declined her.

"But I could get no answer from any of them," Ball said.

Action 9 got in touch with all three credit bureaus: Experian, Transunion and Equifax.

Spokesmen told Action 9 they would look into Ball’s situation, and then they called her.

All of them said they corrected her file and would send copies for her records.

They advised anyone whose spouse has passed away to notify lenders on all joints accounts. That way they can update their records and ensure the accounts are reported correctly.

You should then review your credit report to make sure it's accurate.

Ball said from now on, she'll do just that.

"Keep check on your credit," Ball said.

WSOC