People make mistakes sometimes; that's why you should occasionally check your credit report for errors. The three credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- all calculate your score a little differently. But they all use the same credit history reports, and if there's an error in your file, then your credit can suffer.
Monitor Your Credit Report
Order a copy of your credit report. Since the three credit bureaus will have slightly different scores for you, get a report from each of them. You have a right to view your report from all three bureaus once a year for free at the Annual Credit Report website
Check for Errors and Contact Your Lenders
Print each report and carefully read all three. Use a highlighter to mark any potential mistakes. If you find an inaccuracy, check your bank statements, utility bills or credit card statements from that time period. You can also call your bank, utility company or credit card company to inquire about the report. It's possible that the company made a mistake, will admit it and then file a new report with the credit bureaus and erase the mistake from your record. But if the company disagrees with you about it being a mistake, you now have a dispute to handle.
Dispute a Report with the Credit Reporting Agency
Write to the company's dispute department, if it has one, explaining why you think there's a mistake on your credit report. Submit copies of supporting documents, like statements, along with a copy of the credit report with the mistake highlighted. Mail the letter and documents by "return receipt requested." The credit reporting agency now has 30 days to investigate your claim. It also will provide copies of your claim to the company that reported the alleged mistake.
Request Copies of the Dispute
Once the investigation is complete, the credit reporting agency mails you the results, along with a free copy of your credit report. If a mistake was found on your report, it will be corrected . Also, you may request that the credit reporting company send a notice to anyone who asked for your report in the last six months. If the investigation did not find a mistake, you can still request that a record of your dispute be kept on file and distributed with your report in the future.
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