Previous studies by consumer groups also have shown frequent errors and omissions in credit reports. Besides being denied new credit, a consumer with an inaccurate report can unfairly be charged high interest rates as a "subprime," or potentially risky, borrower.

In 1996, Congress required Equifax, Experian and Trans Union to provide consumers with a toll-free telephone number and access to credit bureau personnel during normal business hours, with a view to helping people resolve mistakes in their credit reports.

In January 2000, the three agencies paid a total $2.5 million to settle FTC allegations that they blocked calls from more than a million consumers who wanted to discuss their credit reports. Many people also were kept on hold for unreasonable amounts of time, the federal agency said.

The settlements required the bureaus to answer consumer calls within 3 1/2 minutes on average and ensure that 90 percent of callers don't get a busy signal.

Last July, Equifax agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve the Federal Trade Commission's allegations that it didn't do enough in 2001 to answer calls from consumers inquiring about their credit reports. Atlanta-based Equifax did not acknowledge breaking any laws in its settlement with the agency.