A credit dispute letter is necessary if you believe your credit report has an error(s).  Depending on the number of inaccuracies, you will need to decide if you want to go the DYI route or enlist a credit repair professional to navigate the tricky waters for you. Our recommendation is that if you have something simple to fix, give it a try on your on.  If you have a credit situation that is more complex, the process can be lengthy and daunting, so enlisting a professional may prove more beneficial.

Check your credit report every year

Since you are entitled to a free credit report every year, you always want to make sure you take advantage of that.  This will help you catch errors before they wreak havoc on your credit score. As we mentioned above, the errors that you will find are going to vary.  When it comes to disputing any errors, you have to be prepared to provide evidence for your claim or it can be denied.  With that being said, here are some of the errors you can dispute on your credit report:

  • Personal information
  • Collections
  • Bankruptcies
  • Foreclosures
  • Late payments
  • Closed accounts

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) exists to allow a consumer to dispute any inaccuracies on their credit report.  Once you file your credit dispute letter, the credit reporting agencies and creditors must respond to your claim within 30 days of receiving your letter.  They have 90 days to resolve your case.

How to get validation of your debt

If you are questioning an account or debt your report, you can write what is called a 609 debt validation letter.  Make sure to include all details like account names and numbers.  When drafting your letter, make sure to create one for each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).  Each bureau must look into your claims and make any necessary changes to your report.

Example of a 609 letter

 

NAME
123 STREET  
MIAMI, FL AND ZIPCODE

DATE
CREDIT BUREAU NAME AND ADDRESS 

Dear (whatever credit reporting agency),

I am writing to request verification of the below items.

•  Write out a list of the accounts along with account numbers

Please supply me with any and all service agreements or contracts I signed that will help verify this debt.

If you are not able to provide the necessary proof to validate this debt(s), I request that they be removed.

Sincerely,

XXXX

Sample Letter for Disputing Errors on Your Credit Report

 

Currently, you have the option to submit a dispute online or send it by mail (always certified).

Here is what you need to include:

  • Full name
  • Current address
  • Creditor’s name and the account number
  • Copy of your driver’s license  (or other govt. issued ID)
  • Scan a bill or anything else that can prove your address
  • SSN (or just last 4 digits)
  • The reason for your letter
  • Why you feel the item is incorrect
  • Annotation of documents you are including

Not all creditors or bureaus will require this exact information so find out what to send before drafting up your letter.  In addition, always send copies of any important documents since they will not send anything back to you.

When writing your letter, keep it as clear and concise as possible.

Here is a sample template.

NAME
123 STREET
MIAMI, FL AND ZIPCODE

ACCOUNT#: 1234-56789 TRANSUNION
CREDIT BUREAU ADDRESS 

Dear (whatever credit reporting agency),

I have found some items that are inaccurate (include the creditor name and account number) and have attached a copy with the incorrect information highlighted.

This information (include the name of the creditor and the acct. number) is not correct because [supply the reason why you feel it is not accurate). Attached is proof I have[describe whatever proof you have provided).

I am asking you late whether you are looking to have the item removed or corrected).

I expect that this matter will be investigated within the required 30 days.

Sincerely,

XXXX

Here is where you can send your letter to: Equifax Information Services,  TransUnion Consumer Solutions, and Experian
Always make copies of anything you send out.