Your credit score is based solely on the information contained in your credit report. If your credit report contains incorrect negative information, this information is artificially dragging down your credit score. If you find an error on your Equifax, Experian or TransUnion credit report, dispute the error with the credit bureau that has the inaccurate information.
Identify Incorrect Information
Obtain your credit report from the credit bureau website or through the Annual Credit Report website, and print out a copy of the report and circle every piece of incorrect information you find. Examples of incorrect information include a wrong date for when you opened the account, a listing of a missed payment when you actually never missed the payment or a listed account that you never opened. In addition, if the report contains any negative information from more than seven years ago, or 10 years for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, dispute it because information that old should not appear on your report.
Write Dispute Letter
Type your full name and address at the top of the dispute letter. Write an opening sentence that states that you are writing to dispute incorrect information that appears on your credit report. In the body of the letter, clearly identify the item that is incorrect, state why you believe it is incorrect and request that the credit bureau investigate the item and correct your credit report. The Federal Trade Commission website provides a sample letter that you can adapt to your specific situation.
Gather Enclosures
Make photocopies of any documents you have that support your case. For example, if your credit report shows an inaccurate missed payment, you might have a payment record from your credit card that shows that your payment was received on time. Do not send the original document in case the credit bureau loses it. Make copies of the dispute letter for your records.
Mail Letters
Mail a dispute letter and enclosures to each credit bureau that lists the incorrect information. Send it through certified mail and request a return receipt so you have proof the credit bureau received it. In addition, mail a copy of the letter and enclosure to the company that reported the incorrect information. For example, if the dispute was related to a credit card account, mail your dispute letter to that credit card company.
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