It is estimated that approximately 70% of us have one or more errors on our credit report! Here's how to dispute those errors and get them corrected:

Incorrect information on your credit report from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion can really hurt your credit score. It is estimated that more than 70% of all credit reports contain errors!

We all have the right to challenge inaccurate entries on our credit reports. 4191513681_001dafb363_t[1]-resized-600

Just in case you do not have a copy of your FREE Annual Credit Report, go to:

FREE ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT

You will need an account or credit report number when you dispute errors.

When you find errors, here is what you do:

1. Circle the account and/or error on the page of your credit report.
2. Make a copy of that page only. You DO NOT need the entire report.
3. Write a brief, neat explanation of why you are challenging this entry.
4. Make copy of the proof of payment(s) you made to pay off this account.

This could be:

canceled check(s)
Bank statement showing a payment, date, etc.
Settlement agreement with proof of payment of that agreement
1099-C showing this account was either written off completely
Letter of satisfaction after a judgment has been paid off (“satisfied”)
Letter or statement from the creditor stating or showing the account has a zero balance

5. Make a .pdf scan/copy of all above. You’ll understand later.

Your goal is to make it very easy for the person at the credit bureau to review and see why your account is being reported incorrectly.

OK, now that you have all of your documents, statements, “proofs”…what next?

Although you can mail to each of the bureaus, it is much easier, quicker and efficient to dispute errors online!

1. Go to the web site of the credit bureau making the incorrect report. (I’ve listed all of the sites below.)You are going to opening a DISPUTE concerning your report.

2. Follow the steps (each credit bureau is a little different). Take your time, because if you don’t follow the steps correctly and completely, they will not process your dispute, and you will just delay getting the error corrected!

3. When you open your DISPUTE, you will be given a case or file number. Write it down and keep safe. You will need to refer to this as you follow up.

4. Attach the “proofs” you scanned as .pdf files where indicated.

5. Submit The credit bureaus have about 30-45 days to correct the error or reply back to you for more information, etc. You can go online to view the status of your dispute.

Once the information has been corrected, they (the credit bureaus) should provide you with a corrected copy of your credit report.

As with anything these days….FOLLOW UP….FOLLOW UP….FOLLOW UP!!!

If you don’t hear from the credit bureau in 30 days or so, go online again and find out what is going on!

Although you can call the credit bureaus, I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT! It is very difficult to talk with a “live” person at the credit bureaus. You can imagine how many calls and requests they must get every day! I am not even going to list the phone numbers as you can find them online.

If you find the number, you will have to navigate through a maze of menu prompts that is not very easy. Don’t try calling unless all else fails! If you do not have a computer or don’t feel comfortable going online, then get some help. Call a friend or family member (if you trust them completely) and have them help or go online for you while you are on the phone.

The credit bureaus will ask several “security questions” to make sure you are the one requesting a report or disputing an error on your report.

OK, ready to go? Have all of your "ducks-in-a-row" before going online.

GOOD LUCK! If you could use some help, let us know:

Equifax Disputes

Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc
P.O. Box 105851
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

When mailing to Equifax, you must include:

Full name (including middle name or initial)
Date of Birth
Current and former addresses
Social Security Number
Copy of your Driver’s License or Current Utility Bill

Experian Disputes

Experian's mailing address for dispute requests is:

P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013

Experian says that you must include all of the following when requesting your dispute:

Your full name including middle initial (and generation such as JR, SR, II, III)
Your date of birth
Your Social Security number (if you have never been issued a social security number, please note that in your request)
All addresses where you have lived during the past two years
One copy of a government issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, etc.
One copy of a utility bill, bank or insurance statement, etc.

List each item on your report that you believe is inaccurate, the account number and the specific reason you feel the information is incorrect.
There is no charge for submitting a dispute.

Send your completed dispute information to the address above. Only include copies and do not send original documentation. Experian cannot return copies from your mailed request.