Which action is necessary for a consumer to take if they find an error on their credit report?

When a consumer discovers an error on their credit report, the appropriate action is to submit a dispute to the credit reporting agency. This process is crucial because it formally notifies the agency of the discrepancy and initiates an investigation into the matter. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers have the right to dispute information they believe is incorrect, and the credit reporting agency is obligated to investigate the claim within a reasonable timeframe, usually 30 days.

By choosing to dispute the error, the consumer ensures that their concerns are documented and addressed properly. This is essential for maintaining the accuracy of their credit report, which can significantly impact their financial health and ability to secure loans or credit. Leaving the error unaddressed, requesting deletion of all negative information, or waiting for the agency to make corrections on its own would not take the necessary steps to resolve the specific issue at hand.