How to Dispute a Mailing Address in the Credit Reporting Act

Credit reports contain more than information about your history of credit repayment. They report whether you've been sued or arrested, filed for bankruptcy, and where you have lived. Consumer reports sell your information to creditors, employers, and anyone else who may have cause to know more about your credit background. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects you by promoting the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation's consumer reporting companies. As part of this crusade, FCRA also suggests that consumers check their credit report periodically for errors.

Instructions

1

Gather all documents and make copies. You will need to provide copies of documentation to support your correction. For an address change, this might include mail from a state agency or utility company. If the address is a house, you can provide proof of the current resident's tenure in the home. If the address was an apartment or leased, contact the landlord and explain your situation. They may be willing to verify your claim as well. Either way, you must obtain this proof in writing.

2

Compose a letter. Provide your complete name and address, and clearly identify which items in your report are incorrect. Explain why you are disputing the information and request to have it removed or corrected.

3

Enclose a copy of your credit report in the letter and circle the information in dispute.

4

Make several copies of your letter and send via certified mail with a return receipt requested.

5

Wait for a response. The consumer reporting agency must investigate the items in dispute generally within 30 days. They must also forward all data provided about the error to the organization which provided it. The consumer reporting company must provide you with the results of their investigation in writing along with a free copy of your corrected report.

6

Request the consumer reporting company to send notices of corrections to all organizations or persons who requested your report within the last six months. You are also allowed to request a corrected copy be sent to anyone who requested your information for purposes of employment over the past two years.