Credit Restoration Handout

Correcting An Inaccurate Credit Report

Whether you have an inaccurate credit report due to errors made when account data was reported, or obsolete information which should be removed from your credit report, you may write to the credit bureau to request the removal of the information, or submit your dispute online at the credit bureau's website. The most efficient method to initiate an investigation is to do so online. You should go online with each credit bureau that is reporting the error or obsolete entry, or send a separate letter to each agency to file a dispute. At the end of this section, you will find sample letters, which you can use as guides.

There is a standard process to get rid of errors and obsolete information from your credit report:

First, request a copy of your credit report either online, or through the mail.
If you find a mistake, report credit errors quickly, even the smallest error could seriously influence your credit history.
Once you have your credit report(s) in hand, you will notice that on each report is an identifying number (confirmation number). Whether you purchased your credit report via the Internet or requested it through the mail, your confirmation number will likely be located at the top of your credit report. Whether you go online, or through the mail, to contact the credit bureau, be sure to include the confirmation number included on your credit report to reference your report.
You may not always receive a confirmation number. This is either because you have purchased your credit report through an affiliate credit bureau reseller or your credit file is owned by an affiliate. If your file is affiliate-owned, you live in a part of the country where an affiliate office shares the credit database, but "owns" your credit file. Because that office maintains ownership of your credit file, you must initiate a dispute directly with that office. The telephone number to that office is located at the bottom of your credit report.
To begin the online dispute process, you would click on the "dispute" icon on the credit bureau's website and provide your identifying information as found on your credit report, including your confirmation number, last name, street number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Then, type in the details of your dispute. The credit grantor will investigate your dispute and send the results to the credit bureau.
Any error that you find must be investigated by the credit-reporting agency (Experian, Trans Union or Equifax) with the creditor who supplied the data.
The credit reporting agency will remove the obsolete information and any errors from your credit report that has been verified to be in error.
The credit bureau will perform the update and mail you the results of the investigation within 30 days.
When sending a letter to dispute information, write the letter by hand, or re-type it on plain paper. A handwritten letter is a better way to initiate the process. You want to avoid the appearance that the letter originated from a credit repair company or an attorney, as the credit bureau will either automatically return it or send it to the bureau's legal department.
Explain the situation in detail.
If you are writing to dispute the information, include a copy of the credit report with the faulty information highlighted. Be sure and sign the letter, date it and include your address, date of birth, and social security number. Make a copy of the letter before sending it.
Send the letter certified mail, so that a return receipt is requested to have a record of when the bureau received it.

Within 30 days, the credit bureau is required to respond in one of three ways:

The credit entries are changed. The notations will be changed/removed because either the credit bureau verified that the notation(s) were in error, or the creditor failed to verify the disputed credit entry. The credit bureau is now required to reply to you within 30 days that the disputed credit entry will be deleted.
The creditor verifies the disputed item, so it stays on your credit record. The credit bureau's reply to you will contain the creditor's statement and/or documentation to verify the negative credit information. This does not mean there is nothing further you can do to correct your credit report. You then have other options:
- Try again later. Challenge the negative item in a year or two, by raising the dispute differently; if possible, identify a different error for the same item, to have the matter reconsidered. For example, perhaps you are being charged for something you did not purchase. In the initial dispute, you challenge the date of the purchase. If the first dispute is unsuccessful, challenge the amount owed.
- Talk to the creditor directly. Most creditors are reasonable. Attempt to persuade your creditor that your claim is legitimate and the creditor can have the credit bureau correct your credit report. This commonly occurs.
You receive a preliminary response from the creditor. The credit bureau may first respond with a preliminary letter that acknowledges receipt of your letter and advises you that the bureau is continuing its investigation. If the credit bureau sends a preliminary response to request additional information such as canceled checks or evidence that a tax lien or judgment has been satisfied, you should respond quickly to the request.

If you disagree with the findings, you can file a short statement (100 words or less) called a Consumer Statement, in your record giving your side of the story. Future reports to creditors must include this statement or a summary of it. Consumer Statements are discussed later in this document.

Creditors are required by law to correct errors and remove obsolete information promptly, and without damage to your credit rating.

Here is the contact information for the three major credit bureaus:

Equifax
(800) 685-1111 or (770) 612-3200
Web site address: www.credit.equifax.com

Experian (formerly TRW)
(888) 397-3742
Web site address: www.experian.com

Trans Union LLC
Consumer Disclosure Center
(800) 916-8800
Web site address: www.tuc.com

Credit Restoration
Report Errors and Obsolete Info
Correcting Reports
Free Credit Report

Sample Letters

How to Turn Late Payment Marks Into a Positive Credit Rating
How to Turn Bad Current Debts Into a Positive Credit Rating
Use A Consumer Statement to Explain Negative Credit History
When The Consumer Statement is Most Effective
Summary