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Error threatens to damage a fine credit score

Reader was listed as a guarantor on a loan without ever signing off on it.

DEAR HARRY: About five months ago, a close friend asked me to co-sign on a $3,000 loan.

I agreed. I went to his bank to fill out the form to see if the bank would accept my guarantee. I discovered that the loan was actually a refinancing of a previous loan for $13,000.

The bank would not accept a partial guarantee, so I refused to sign any forms. I check my credit report several times a year, and I discovered that I was listed as a guarantor on this note, which was finally approved without my signature. My credit score is 777, and I don't want it damaged by this error.

I protested with the reporting agency, and they said they would look into it.

Is there something else I should do?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: I urge you to contact the loan officer at the bank and find out why you are listed. I hope no forgery was involved, but it is possible because you signed nothing.

If the bank made an error, they must straighten it out with the reporting agency. I hope you don't have trouble with that solid credit score before this is squared away.

Everyone is entitled to a free report annually from each of the big three reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.

You can reach them at annualcreditreport.com. This is not freecreditreport.com or a similar name.