How do I Dispute a Negative Equifax Credit Report?

The information in your credit report should be up to date and accurate at all times. Incorrect credit information may lower your credit score, increase your interest rates and even cause denials of credit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to dispute inaccuracies in account balances, dates of last activity, credit amounts or even your previous addresses and names. The credit reporting agency must investigate your claim and either confirm or correct the information.

Instructions

1

Go to the Equifax website (see Resources). Scroll down to the "Correct Errors" section and click on "Start a New Dispute".

2

Fill out the required information such your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth. Type the code into the verification box at the bottom of the page and click "Submit".

3

Answer the identity-verification questions on the next pages. Questions include multiple-choice questions about creditor names, debt amounts and previous and current addresses. Click "Start New Dispute" once you finish answering the questions.

4

Navigate through your credit report by using the menu on the left side of the page. Click the "Dispute This Item" link and choose a reason for the dispute and any additional information about that specific item. Click "Add Dispute" and repeat this step until you've added all disputed items.

5

Click "Dispute Summary" and confirm your disputed items. Type your email address if you want notification about the status of your dispute by email. Click "Submit Dispute" to complete the process.