One of the most important reasons to check your free annual credit report is to check for inaccurate information. While reviewing your credit report, you should check for incorrect payment amounts, non-authorized credit lines and inaccurate payment history. It is important to dispute false items since they could adversely affect your ability to retain credit. In order to have the items removed, you need to dispute them through the credit reporting agency that has them listed.
Step 1
Get a copy of your free credit report. To obtain your credit report, you should use the FTC-approved Annual Credit Report website. By submitting your personal information through this website, you can access your credit report from the three reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Step 2
Compose a letter to the credit reporting agency that has the incorrect item. Name the creditor and details about the disputed item. Include your name, address, phone number and credit report number at the top of the page.
Step 3
Include a copy of your report with the dispute letter. Highlight or circle the items found on the report that you are disputing. Any documentation that supports your claim should be enclosed as well. This may include bankruptcy documents or payment stubs.
Step 4
Send your dispute letter via certified mail. Make sure a signature is required for delivery. You can find the address for the complaints department on the website of the credit reporting agency. The agency should contact you about its decision after an investigation into whether or not the disputed item is accurate.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure you notify the creditor reporting the information about the inaccuracy. This can ensure that the company does not continue to report the item and have it reappear on your credit report. The credit reporting agency may allow for disputes to be submitted through a secure online form. One example of a company that uses this method is Experian.
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