Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images
Did you find any errors on your credit report? If not, then great! You can file your report away. But if you found errors, then locate the dispute form, the credit bureau’s website, or the bureau’s phone number.
I prefer to dispute in writing. I include a copy of my report with the problems clearly marked. I also fill out the dispute form entirely. If a section does not apply, then I draw a line through it. If there is not enough room on the dispute form, then I write out any remaining errors noting the specific incorrect information and replacing it with the correct information.
This process is time-consuming. First, I make copies of the report, the dispute form, and any additional documentation. Then I mail the forms to the credit bureau and wait for their investigation results. When the credit bureau has finished processing your disputes, they mail me a revised copy of my credit report. YOU ARE NOT CHARGED FOR THIS REPORT.
Once I receive the revised report, I start again. I review it for errors. If I find additional errors, then I get the dispute form, and write out the errors still reporting on my credit report.
Usually all discrepancies are cleared up after the second dispute submission. The key is to stay organized, follow directions, and be persistent. If I do not get complete reconciliation by the second request, then I would call the credit bureau and speak to a customer service representative.
TIP: Remember that your dispute appeal is time sensitive. You have 90 days from the date of issuance to dispute your information. Yes, 3 months seems like quite a bit of time, but if you procrastinate, you will miss the window to submit your dispute.
I am extremely persistent. I will not allow the credit bureau to continue to report incorrect information. This information may be needed sooner than I anticipate, so I want my information to be reported perfectly! I take great care to protect our identities, and I expect the credit bureaus, responsible for that information, to report it accurately!