Dispute Credit Report Errors
1. Review your credit report
The first step is to get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report once a year from each bureau, which you can obtain from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Once you have your credit reports, review them carefully to identify any errors or inaccuracies. Common errors include:
-Incorrect personal information, such as your name or address
-Accounts that don’t belong to you
-Accounts that are incorrectly reported as late or delinquent
-Duplicate accounts
-Inaccurate balances or credit limits
2. Gather supporting documents:
To dispute a credit report error, you’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim. Gather any documents that support your position, such as:
-Bank statements
-Payment records
-Letters from creditors
-Court documents
Make copies of these documents and keep the originals for your records.
3. File a dispute with the credit bureau:
To dispute an error on your credit report, you’ll need to file a dispute with the credit bureau that issued the report. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail.
When filing a dispute, provide as much detail as possible about the error and why you believe it is inaccurate. Include copies of any supporting documents. The credit bureau will investigate the error and respond to your dispute within 30 days.
4. Follow up on the dispute:
If the credit bureau doesn’t correct the error or you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or consult with a credit repair company.
It’s important to regularly check your credit report for errors and inaccuracies. By disputing errors on your credit report, you can ensure that your credit score is accurate and that you have the best possible chance of getting approved for credit.
