How to Dispute Incorrect Information On Your Credit Report

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides U.S. consumers with the ability to receive a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies, Experian, Equifax and Transunion. When you find erroneous or incorrect information on a credit report from any of these companies, you can file a dispute online at the company's website through a step-by-step form-completion process. However, you can also file a dispute via postal mail. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides basic directions for consumers who wish to start a dispute in this manner.

Instructions

1

Make a photocopy of your entire credit report. If you have multiple reports, photocopy the report featuring the incorrect information.

2

Circle the accounts or data you believe are incorrect on the photocopied credit report.

3

Type or write the date, your name and your address at the top of your letter. Follow this with the address of the complaint department for the company whose credit report you are disputing. For example, if you are disputing information presented on your Experian report, type in the address of Experian's complaint department as it was provided to you within your credit report.

4

Type a salutation. Explain in your first sentence that you wish to dispute information presented in your credit report. Specify the report number printed at the top of your credit report here in case your credit report and cover letter become separated.

5

Specify the item or items you wish to dispute within your report in the second paragraph. Include all identifying information, such as a creditor's name, the account number, the amount of funds reported and the account type. If you want to correct an error such as a misspelled name or an erroneous address, specify that information here.

6

State why you believe the items you are disputing are incorrect, and specify whether you need the items to be corrected on your report or removed entirely.

7

State any additional items you are enclosing within the letter in your third paragraph. You should enclose copies of any documentation you have supporting your statements regarding the incorrect entry, such as court papers and payment records from an account holder. Explain how the enclosed documents verify the statements you made regarding the inaccuracy found in your credit report.

8

Close your letter and leave space for signing your name beneath the closing.

9

List enclosed documents beneath the space for your name. List your credit report and any additional supporting papers enclosed. Specify the number of pages that each listed enclosure consists of, such as "Credit report: 12 pages."

10

Print your letter if it was typed and sign your name. Place the letter and all necessary supporting documents within an envelope.

11

Mail your letter at a postal counter or with metered postage to ensure enough postage is paid to post the letter. Use certified mail with a return receipt to verify delivery of your paperwork. The return receipt is signed by a representative of the reporting agency and returned to you via postal mail.