Having errors on your credit history could be frustrating and stressful, but it’s important to realize that you have the capacity to dispute them. The first step is requesting a totally free copy of your credit history all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This can be done at annualcreditreport.com. Review those reports carefully for just about any inaccuracies, for example the wrong balance, incorrect small company loan account, or account status information.
If you find an error on a single of the reports — whether it’s something small like an inaccurate address or something big like someone using your identity fraudulently — contact the credit bureau directly. That can be done by either completing an online form or writing instructions and sending it via regular mail (email can be unreliable). Be sure to note which merchandise is inaccurate and can include supporting documentation if at all possible (things like bills showing payment history). If you’re concerned about any findings, speak to a bureau, state your discrepancy, request what dispute documentation is needed, and notify them if them anything confidential.
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
To dispute a credit report, you do not need an attorney. You can dispute credit report errors by yourself, as well as get help from the company that provided the information. If you dispute a mistake, the organization will investigate and report on their behavior to the credit bureaus. If you’re disputing an item listed as “paid,” however, you think it’s actually a mistake, send copies associated with a proof that supports your claim plus a letter explaining the way the item ought to be taken off your credit score. For instance, if there have been two payments made on one bill in one month, send information showing that both bills were paid by arranging a repayment plan together with your creditor a minimum of 30 days before they were due; or maybe there is an error on your bill due to fraud or identity theft, send copies of evidence proving this for example police reports and copies of correspondence between you and law enforcement officials regarding these incidents.
Don’t Delay: Contact the Credit Bureau Today
To help speed up the process, call and talk with representatives at each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The key thing here's making sure that you are taking action quickly; if you wait too long between learning about a mistake on your report and disputing it, there might 't be enough time for creditors who would like proof from organizations like employers or landlords before making decisions if someone is deserving of a loan or lease an apartment…and people negative effects could last a long time!