How to Call Credit Bureaus to Fix Your Credit
Information in your credit report reflects your credit accounts and how you use them. The data contained within your report can have a significant impact on your life. According to My FICO, your credit score is based on the data in your credit report; therefore, it's important to ensure the accuracy of the information. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right dispute errors on your report and have them corrected or removed.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Order your credit report. Bureaus require you to have a recent copy of your credit report to file a dispute. Order your free report from Annual Credit Report.
-
2
Call the toll-free number on the credit report. The number allows you to reach a live customer service representative who can assist you. This number is different from the general toll-free number found on the website.
-
-
3
Follow the prompts to enter your credit report number. The system will then give you the option to speak with a live customer service representative.
-
4
File your dispute with the rep. You will need to specify the items you're disputing. The rep will ask you the reason for your dispute. There isn't a limit on the number of items you can dispute in the call, you simply have to state a reason for each dispute, such as "not my account," "paid in full," or whatever explains your particular situation.
-
5
Await your investigation results, which should be sent within 30 days. The bureau will mail the results to the current address listed on your credit report. You will also receive another copy of your report that shows corrections made.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act gives consumers the right to receive one free credit report each year from the major bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.
Watch for websites that promise a free credit report but ask you to enter your credit card information. Such sites require you to sign up for a monthly subscription to a credit a monitoring service or some other product. In 2005, the Federal Trade Commission sued Experian for its deceptive advertising practices over the website Free Credit Report. Experian settled with the FTC and agreed to pay restitution to consumers.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, companies that promise to repair your credit could be a scam. You can fix your credit yourself for free.
