How to Dispute Credit Report Errors

Credit report errors are an unfortunate fact of life. Although typically these records of your financial history are accurate often there are mistakes that need to be fixed.

Usually this is done using some specific steps. If you follow these steps it should help you correct any report errors:

  • Photocopy your credit report and mark every errors. It might help to use a highlighting pen for this so the possible errors stand out.
  • Seek letter templates used to help report errors to the appropriate agency. Uses these templates to get ideas of what to say while forming your explanation of errors and/or request to have certain negative marks removed.
  • Once your letter of explanation and request for removal of errors is finished then gather your supporting documents. Use copies so you can keep your original credit report on file.
  • Send information by certified mail. This will help prove that you did send it, especially if you request delivery confirmation/return receipt. You can send this info to both the credit bureau and credit agency.

Additional Disputing Tips

In the case of possible identity theft, you may need to dispute personal information. A current address and a copy of your driver’s license or a current utility bill may be needed to confirm your present residence.

Once you send your info in to the appropriate reporting agencies an investigation will then start. It is during this time that creditors will be contacted and this is how accuracies or inaccuracies are removed.

Once the investigation is finished, you are then entitled to receive free copies of your amended credit report. This is only necessary though if changes were made. If changes were not made you are not required receipt of reports.

If you want to make sure the necessary changes are made in a timely manner you can first contact your creditor. Then, allow a bit of time to pass so that the dispute is handled properly and the errors are promptly corrected.

You may be able to finish the dispute much quicker using online tools. However, oftentimes in doing so there is not any room for remarks just room for multiple choice answers.

If in the event the credit agency does not agree with your request to have errors remove it may be that it is accurate. However, sometimes you can initiate a second investigation and hopefully get the answers you are looking for.