First confirm what you are comparing
Write down both dates, the service names and the bureau or score model shown. If they differ, you may not be looking at a straightforward month-to-month change. Save the screens for your own reference, but rely on the actual account entries when investigating what changed.
Review changes you can explain
Check recent applications, account closures, reported balances and payment entries. Consider timing: the score may reflect a reporting date before your latest payment. Make a list of the changes you recognize and a separate list of entries you cannot explain. That separates normal account activity from a possible reporting problem.
Investigate unfamiliar information
Use verified provider and bureau contact channels to check an account or enquiry you do not recognize. If information is inaccurate, preserve supporting records and use the dispute process. A score drop by itself is not proof of identity theft, but an unfamiliar account deserves attention rather than a guess.
If the report reflects real payment difficulty
Focus on the shortfall behind the late payments or growing balances. Ask what payment arrangement you can realistically maintain and whether a broader assessment is needed. Buying a new product to change the score may not solve that problem. A useful next step is a clear budget or repayment conversation, not a promise of instant points.
Prepare for a conversation
- The two score dates and sources.
- Recent account, balance or application changes.
- Any unfamiliar entry to verify.
- Whether a real payment problem needs attention.
You do not need account numbers, a SIN, banking credentials or uploaded documents to start our enquiry.
How quickly will my score recover?
There is no dependable recovery date without knowing the information, reporting updates and model involved. A corrected error and a valid missed payment are different situations. Avoid services promising a precise score increase by a fixed date.
Looking for a different kind of help?
If the score change follows payment trouble, choose repayment guidance instead.
Get help with difficult payments