Credit Report Errors

How do I dispute an error on my credit report?

Answer:
To dispute an error on your credit report, contact both the credit reporting company and the company that provided the information.You should explain what you think is wrong, why, and include copies of documents that support your dispute.

If you find a mistake in a report from a credit reporting company, you may submit a dispute not only to the credit reporting company, but also directly to the company that is the source of the information. However, there are certain types of disputes that companies are not required to investigate.

If the company corrects your information as a result of your dispute, it must notify all of the credit reporting companies to which it provided the inaccurate information, so they can update their reports with the correct information.

If you submit a dispute by mail, your dispute letter should include your:

• Complete name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Report confirmation number, if available
• Account number for any account you may be disputing

TIP

You should clearly identify each mistake, state the facts, explain why you are disputing the information, and request that it be removed or corrected. In your letter, you may want to enclose a copy of the portion of your credit report that contains the disputed items and circle or highlight the disputed items. You should include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position.

Send your letter of dispute to credit reporting companies by certified mail and ask for a return receipt, so that you will have a record that your letter was received.

Credit Reporting Companies

Equifax

Online: www.ai.equifax.com/CreditInvestigation
By mail: Click here to download the dispute form
Mail the dispute form with your letter to:
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
By phone: Phone number provided on credit report or (800) 864-2978

Experian

Online: www.experian.com/disputes/main.html
By mail: Use the address provided on your credit report or mail your letter to:
Experian
P.O. Box 4000
Allen, TX 75013
By phone: Phone number provided on credit report or (888) 397-3742

TransUnion

Online: www.transunion.com/personal-credit/credit-disputes-alerts-freezes.page
By mail: Click here to download the dispute form
Mail the dispute form with your letter to:
TransUnion Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
By phone: (800) 916-8800
Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures

Information from the CFPB Website

The credit bureau will then start its investigation

The bureau must also notify the lender or creditor involved to verify the disputes. Once the information has been corrected the bureau will send out a copy of the credit report with the new changes made, if any. Here is a sample “dispute” letter for reference:

Sample Dispute Letter

Consumer’s Name
Consumer’s Address
Current Date
Credit Bureau Complaint Department
Name of the Credit Reporting Agency/Bureau
Credit Reporting Agency/Bureau’s Address City, State, Zip code

Dear Sir or Madam:

The purpose of this letter is to dispute the information listed below that is contained in my credit report. The items being disputed are listed below and are also circled on the attached copy of the credit report.
[Identify each item (name of Creditor), list whether it is inaccurate or incomplete and list what is wrong and the reason.] I would request that this item be deleted or updated to reflect the correct information.
Enclosed are copies of [enter documentation i.e. receipts, payment records, canceled checks, etc.] detailing my position.
Thank you for assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Enclosures: [enter the list of any documents sent with letter]

Need a copy of a Credit Report?

All individuals should obtain their current credit report once a year. Consumers should go through the credit report and make sure the information is correct. If there is any inaccurate information, the consumer should contact the bureau with the incorrect information and have it corrected. As previously stated, incorrect and/or negative information can cause the credit score to be lowered.

This is crucial that it is done once a year – as it might also prevent identity theft.

To obtain the free annual credit report from any of the 3 reporting agencies (Experian®, TransUnion®, Equifax®), a consumer can visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 (which is the Annual Credit Report Request Service).

In the event one is denied credit, a consumer is legally entitled to a copy of the report at no charge from the credit reporting bureau that the creditor used when running the report if it is requested within 60 days of the credit being denied. If consumers believe their credit report has inaccuracies as a result of fraud, they are also entitled to a free credit report.
Address, Phone Number & Web Address of the 3 Major Credit Reporting Agencies

Are there trustworthy credit repair companies?

Consumers may have seen ads for companies that promise their credit score will see “a 100-point jump immediately!” Sounds fishy, right? It’s because it is. In fact, it’s illegal for a credit repair company to promise results like that and any company that does so is one consumers should steer clear of. There are other red flags consumers should keep their eye out for when looking for a reputable credit repair company.

The FTC prohibits credit repair companies from charging for credit repair before any work is complete. Run fast from anyone who asks for money upfront or who promises a new credit file overnight.