The best and most effect way to dispute items on a credit
report is in a letter. Many companies
offering access to credit reports now give online methods to dispute
items. In addition, the credit bureaus
themselves have their own forms and methods.
The bottom line is simple: DO NOT USE THEM!
The reason for this is that it makes the job of the credit
bureaus easier. If you use their forms,
they typically do not take the dispute as seriously. A written letter from the consumer shows that
you have taken the time to investigate your credit report, and you believe
something is incorrect and needs investigation.
When writing to the bureaus, it is important to include
certain things, and to leave out others.
First, you want to state that you have reviewed your credit report and
have found mistakes. Then, you want to
list each mistake. Next to each item you
are disputing, simply list that the record is not yours. Do not give any further details. The more information you give, the less work
the credit bureaus have to do—and the more likely they are to confirm the item
and leave it on your report.
After your have listed each item that you wish to dispute,
the final paragraph of the letter should read something similar to that listed
below:
“Please investigate these inaccuracies and remove them from
my report. Under the Fair Credit
Reporting Act, 30 days constitutes a reasonable time to remove the
mistakes. In addition, if you confirm
any of these items, you must supply the names and addresses of the people
contacted.”
This tells the credit bureaus that you understand your
rights under the law, and that you are serious about wanting to correct your
credit report!