Fix Errors on Your Credit Report

You've done everything you can to keep your credit in good shape - only to find out there are mistakes on your credit report which are having a negative impact. It's time to take action and fix the errors!

The first step, is to go directly to the source and make a claim. When contacting a credit reporting agency or credit bureau, always make sure you keep a copy of all correspondence whether e-mail, hard copy or notes of conversations. Include contact names and dates. Be as detailed as possible and be careful not to be accusatory or abusive. A calm and collected demeanor will go much further than aggression or anger.

Ways to deal with Credit Bureaus:

1. Report errors through the credit bureau's website: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion all offer methods to report errors online. This is the quickest and easiest way to get an investigation started. The process is interactive with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
2. All three credit bureaus have toll-free numbers: Give the credit bureau a call! They'll have specially trained customer service representatives available to answer your questions and to initiate the dispute process. A confirmation or credit report number may be required which is usually located at the top of your report.
3. Mail your claim to the credit bureau directly: Be sure to send it certified mail so that you can prove it was sent and to insure it was received by the credit bureau or reporting agency.

The credit bureau must initiate an investigation within 30 days of receiving your complaint. They will contact the company that provided the false information and review the disputed charges. If your claim is found to be valid, the credit bureau must fix any incorrect information in your credit report and remove disputes that cannot be confirmed.

The credit bureau is also required by law to contact the other credit agencies and have the correction posted on their reports. Plus, they're required to send notices of any corrections to anyone who received your credit report within the past six months (upon your request). You can also have a corrected copy sent to anyone who received your credit report during the past two years for employment purposes. You will receive the results of the investigation in writing and a updated copy of your report, if the dispute resulted in changes.

If you have filed for an investigation and have not heard back from the credit bureau in two months, it is time to follow up. Use the toll-free number to make personal contact to get the most direct results.
 

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