what was the most stupid mistake you made while working on your credit scores?

[Anonymous]

Paid off x-wifes cc during divorce none of which was in my name nor was i even an AU.

[thotgal320]

Gave up for three months from being discouraged.  Never do that again.

[demi]

Applying for a consumer finance account because I thought it would help my score...now it shows as something hurting my score.

[Anonymous]

I don't understand, how does disputing hurt your scores?

[llecs]

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@Anonymous wrote:
I don't understand, how does disputing hurt your scores?

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First off, disclaimer: these forums frown on the topic of disputing, unless you know it isn't yours, misreporting, incorrect balance, etc.

Disputing can hurt your scores. For example, if you disputed an OC, they could delete it. If that baddie was helping your history, even if unpaid, you could lose points if it were to be deleted. If you had some lates that weren't reporting before, and you dispute, it isn't uncommon for an OC to add more lates if verified and if they weren't reporting those lates before. Some people dispute old paid COs thinking it is hurting their score. More than often it is helping your score.

For CAs, if verified, the CA can change the "update" or "reported" date (as they should) after you dispute. FICO usually read this date and CA as a new CA and you could get hit with a sizable score drop if it is verified or updated. Some CAs, if reporting in the "Accounts" section have been know to add "120 day" lates if verified.

There are others too. Outside of the FICO score, disputing can cause a "frivolous" label to be placed against you making it hard to dispute in the future. Disputing as "not mine" can lead to a fraud alert. Disputing can also wake up old baddies. If so, they now have access to an updated address and contact info via the CRA. You open yourself up to being sued if within SOL. Along the same lines, disputing will increase collection activity.

I'm not saying don't dispute. They are reasons to from time to time. Just be careful.

[wmarat]

None.

[marty56]

2 times thinking a change in my TU FAKO score would prompt a change in FICO.  That cost me $30 and from my sig, I really do now practice what I preach.

[Anonymous]

I app'd for too many cards and brought my average age down, way down...

[chekz]

max out all 3 of my cards including cash advances. After that i was making min. payment everymonth which was a waste because i just kept paying interest really. That kept my score from changing at all. That was until May, i paid off all my cards and my equifax score jumped from 628 to 736 now.

[Anonymous]

Closing my oldest cards.  Just didn't know any better....