How to Dispute a Claim on Your Credit Report

Credit reports provide a history of how well consumers manage credit privileges. Lenders, insurance companies and even employers use the reports as a basis for determining character and risk. Reviewing your credit report ensures there is not any inaccurate or incomplete information. Claims on your credit report that are wrong should be disputed, as they may have a negative effect on your report and borrowing ability. Disputing credit report claims requires contacting the credit agency and notifying them of the error.

Instructions

1

Write the credit bureau or agency that furnished the credit report. In the letter, state the information that is inaccurate or incomplete.

2

Mail your letter certified, return receipt. This provides you with proof the agency received it. According to federal law, the credit agency has 30 days to investigate the dispute.

3

Await the results of the investigation. If any change is made as a result of the investigation and the information you provided, the credit agency must furnish you with a notice stating such. You are also entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report. If the credit agency cannot verify the information, they must, by law, remove it.

4

Contact the credit agency if you do not hear from them within 30 days. Inquire as to its receipt of your letter and the status of the investigation. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you can file a complaint against the agency.