How to Correct Adverse Information on Credit Reports

Your credit report affects your ability to get a loan, apartment, or even a job. As such, you need to dispute any adverse information on your report if you know for a fact that it is false.

Instructions

Resolving the Issue

1

Try to resolve the problem with the merchant or other company. Indicate that you'd rather not take this to the credit bureaus, but you will if you must.

2

If the company does not agree, file a dispute with a consumer reporting company or credit bureau such as Equifax, Experian or Transunion. Write a letter providing facts and the reason for your dispute to the consumer reporting company.

3

Enclose copies of any supporting documents with the letter, as well as a copy of your credit report with the disputed parts circled. Send the letter via certified mail to the address of the company.

4

Once you have disputed the claim, inform the company in writing that your dispute is centered around your claim.

5

Wait for the results of the bureau's investigation; the bureau will investigate the claim, and take in both sides of the story, within 30 days.

6

If the investigation ends up not in your favor, request that your statement regarding the dispute be attached to the credit report.