How to Fight Unfair Credit Reports

Every consumer benefits from a good credit score, however, it's a misconception that individuals who have a negative mark on their credit report are irresponsible consumers. If there is a glitch in a creditor's system and a payment isn't reported on time, your credit score can plummet. If a consumer is involved in an automobile accident and the insurance company delays payment to the hospital or doctor, the same thing can occur. In such cases the consumer must contact the credit bureaus to remove the mark from the report.

Instructions

1

Get a copy of your credit report from the Annual Credit Report website. You are entitled to a free copy from the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- once every 12 months.

2

Look over the credit report for errors, then circle or note them. Errors may be as simple as an incorrect employer or address, or as serious as a late or missed payment.

3

Write to the company issuing an erroneous report and tell them about the information you think is incorrect. Attach copies of documents, such as statements from creditors, that support your complaint. Identify every item that you dispute.

4

Photocopy your letter and all of your documentation. Send your letter and evidence by Certified Mail so you have proof of delivery. The credit reporting agency will send your data to the organization that reported the information to the credit bureau. They have 30 days to review your information and report back to the credit bureau.

5

Wait for the results from the investigation, which will come from the credit bureau. If the information was found to be in error, it cannot be put back into your credit report.

6

Ask the credit reporting agency to put a statement of your dispute in your file if the item was not corrected. You will be given the name of the information provider, and you can contact them directly.

7

Write to the creditor directly and dispute the information in writing. Include documents that support your complaint.