This is the process to dispute credit report information.
Write a letter to the credit bureau informing them of the information you believe is incorrect. The letter needs to clearly explain what you are disputing, why you are disputing it, and any facts related to the dispute. It is also a good idea to include the following with your dispute letter:
- A copy of your credit report clearly identifying the disputed item. Be certain to circle, underline, or highlight the item you believe is incorrect.
- Copies of receipts, statements, and cancelled checks related to the disputed item. Be certain to retain your original documents by only sending copies with you dispute letter.
In your letter, be certain to include your name, complete and current address, and phone number. Send your credit report dispute letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. This way you not only have proof the dispute letter was sent, but also that the credit bureau received your dispute and when it was received. Keep a copy of the letter along with any enclosures sent with the letter.
The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate your dispute and respond to you in writing with the results of the investigation. Any data you provided about the inaccuracy of the information will be forwarded to the original information provider. The information provider is then required to investigate and respond back to the credit bureau.
Once the investigation is complete, the credit bureau will provide you with the results, along with a free copy of your credit report if the dispute resulted in a change. You can request that the credit bureau send a correction notice to any company that accessed your credit report within the past six months.
If there is inaccurate information in one credit bureau’s version of your credit report, it’s likely that the information will be inaccurate on the other two bureaus’ reports as well. You should check all three credit reports to be sure that the information in each is complete and accurate. The credit bureaus’ are completely independent of each other so the dispute process explained above needs to be completed for each of the credit bureaus’ reporting incorrect information.
Check back soon for Part 3 of the Improve Your Credit Series. Click here to view previous series posts.
Dan Anderson
CarManDan
Moorhead, MN Fargo, ND
New and Used Car and Truck Expert
Moorhead, MN Fargo, ND Used and Car Dealer
Dan Anderson
