Second, in addition to writing to the CRA, tell the creditor or other information provider in writing that you dispute an item. Again, include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position. Many providers specify an address for disputes. If the provider then reports the item to any CRA, it must include a notice of your dispute. In addition, if you are correct—that is, if the disputed information is not accurate—the information provider may not use it again.

 

Remember that disputing accurate information is considered fraud, and is punishable by law.  Some unethical credit repair companies recommend that you dispute all negative information, but the risk is on you if you knowingly dispute accurate negative information.  Only the passage of time, improved payment history, or negotiation with the lender to bring the account to a current status, can remove such information.

 

Here is a sample letter for you to use to dispute or correct inaccurate information.  In order to complete the letter, fill in your specific details into the areas surrounded by parentheses, for example, where it says (inaccurate or incomplete), change that to either inaccurate or incomplete, and of course remove the parentheses around the word.

 

If possible, the letter should be typed into a computer word processor, spell checked, proof read multiple times, and then printed out on a good quality printer.  If you are unable to do so, you should seek assistance in preparing the letter.

 

If you’re disputing more than one entry on your report, list each item separately, and attach enclosures for each disputed item if appropriate.  In order to assist the person reviewing the form, list and number each item being disputed and mark each enclosure with the corresponding number.

 

In order to identify yourself, you should be sending a COPY of the credit report that you are referring to. You might also make a copy of your driver’s license as identification, not absolutely necessary, but it could help to speed up the process. 

 

Remember that each credit reporting agency receives thousands of dispute letters every day, and those that are complete and look professional might be resolved more quickly.