How to Fix False Credit Reports
Credit reports are an important part of financial integrity. Lenders and creditors evaluate credit and use it to determine whether to lend money, issue credit cards or allow home or car purchases. Negative errors could hurt buying power. Disputing errors, however, isn't difficult.
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Instructions
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Disputing Errors
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Obtain a free copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You may access all three of these online at www.annualcreditreport.com. So long as you haven't received a free credit report in the past year, you will be able to obtain one report from each bureau for free.
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Inspect your report for errors. Note any accounts with which you are unfamiliar, as well as accounts that are current but may be reported as delinquent.
Note any account with which there might be a problem. Even if you've let something slip your mind and simply forgot about a certain account, it is important to notate each individual discrepancy.
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Visit the bureau's website to find the proper dispute forms to file.
When filing an online dispute, you will need to know information from the credit report. What is the name of the creditor with which there is a problem? How much is the alleged amount owed? Is there an account number on the report that is associated with an alleged debt owed?
You will also have the opportunity to write a note or select a reason to tell the bureau why the item in question should not be on your report. If you suspect identity theft or fraud, include that in your dispute form.
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File your dispute via telephone or mail if you cannot do it online. Note the creditor's name, the amount in question and any account number.
Include your name, address, phone number and copies of your driver license or Social Security card on written correspondence.
Contact information:
Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 865-1111
www.equifax.comExperian
P.O. Box 2014
Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
www.experian.comTransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Springfield, PA 19022
(800) 888-4213
www.transunion.comAllow up to six weeks for a response regarding disputes through the mail.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent errors and possible identity theft, check your credit at least once per year. Always take action on incorrect or unidentifiable accounts with which you are unfamiliar.
