How to Remove an Unwanted Credit Bureau Report
Negative remarks on a credit bureau report can make obtaining a loan or other types of financing very difficult, so it is important to check for credit errors once or twice a year. Sometimes a credit report company is supplied with incorrect information, resulting in errors. Errors may be simple mistakes, such as having the wrong employer information, to more severe inaccuracies that show delinquency or default on payments. Fortunately, consumers can file a credit report dispute if supporting documents and an appropriate letter back up the claim.
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Instructions
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Gather documents to support your credit report dispute. Important documents should consist of payment statements and other financial records that pertain to the error.
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Make copies of all relevant documents, as well as your credit report. Put your originals in a safe place. Highlight the credit report dispute or disputes with a yellow highlighter marker on the copy.
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Write a letter to the credit report company that explains why the reporting is incorrect. Identify the type of item in the claim, such as a judgment, default or delinquency you are contesting. Make note in the body of your letter the exact information printed on the credit bureau report.
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State why the information is incorrect. Include in your letter that you have supplied documents to back up your claim to resolve the matter. End your letter by stating that you are requesting that the information be removed from the credit bureau report.
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Mail your letter, supporting documents and report to the credit report company by certified mail with the option of return receipt requested to ensure accuracy and proof of delivery.
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Place the receipt with your original documents when it comes back in the mail.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact the credit report company after a month has elapsed if you do not receive written correspondence. After receiving your claim, the credit report company investigates and then will report back its findings and determinations.
Consider requesting that your claim be filed with your records if the company does not rule in your favor. Your claim can back up further credit report disputes if you start to see a pattern of inaccurate information.
Falsifying information and documents in an attempt to have a credit bureau report changed can cause criminal penalties if charges are filed. Only dispute claims that are correct and truthful to your knowledge to prevent getting into legal trouble.
