How to Dispute Items On Your Credit Report

So you have a copy of your credit report... great. However, there are entries on your report that are outdated and others that don't even belong to you. What do you do? You contact the credit agency that's reporting the inaccurate information and request that's it's removed and/or updated. This process is called a dispute.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Copy of your credit report.

1. 

   There are 3 ways you may dispute incorrect information to the credit bureaus. You can call, make an online dispute, or mail in your dispute.

2. 

   If you choose to call the credit bureau, you will be ask for information to verify your identity. Some questions they may ask; your credit file number, name, birth date, social security number, address and driver's license number. Be prepared to answer all of these questions.

3. 

   You can also do an online dispute. This is no doubt the quickest way to get the job done. Simply click on the link next to the credit entry and identify the reason you are disputing the record. You will receive a message that the credit agency is working on your request.

4. Your final option is to send your dispute through the mail. Be sure to include your credit file number, social security number, full name, current address and account numbers, for the entries you are disputing. Send the letters certified, so you will have verification that your letter was received.

5. 

   Once your dispute is received, the credit agency will review your file and delete any outdated or inaccurate information. They will contact the creditor and the creditor will have 30 days to verify the validity of the account. If the creditor fails to provide proof that the entry is indeed yours, the credit agency, by law will have to remove it from your credit file. The credit bureau will contact you within 45 days with an updated credit report and the status of your dispute. It will either be deleted, updated, or (if found to be accurate), remain unchanged.

6. 

   Be sure to check your credit report every 3 months. Dispute any information that you find is incorrect.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide as much information as possible with your dispute.
• Send copies of any records of payments you may have.
• Don't dispute items that you know are correct. The credit agencies will consider your future request to be frivolous and may not investigate them.

[LouisJeffries]

on 1/2/2009 Great info it is easiest to dispute oline. 5*

[dasbootjoe]

on 12/28/2008 Very helpful information! Thanks*****

[Anai]

on 12/19/2008 Great practical suggestions, thanks.

[1kimmi]

on 12/18/2008 This is great information! Thanks for sharing....5*