How to Dispute Negative Credit Items

Do you have negative credit items on your credit report? Do you desperately want to improve your credit score by having these erroneous items taken off? Well, we have great news for you, now you can. If you're ready to clear up mistakes and improve your score at the same time, let's go.

Instructions

1

Get a free copy of your credit report. Our legal system allows you to obtain a free copy of your credit report (from one of the three major agencies - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) every 12 months, if you're unemployed and are currently seeking employment, if you have been denied insurance or credit or employment within 60 days of the denial. To receive your free copy, contact Annual Credit Report service by mail at Post Office Box 105281, Atlanta, Georgia 30348, by phone at 877-322-8228 or by visiting annualcreditreport.com. You'll be required to verify your information by providing your Social Security number, birth date, address, amount of mortgage payments, etc. Once that has been verified, you can order your free report.

2

View your credit report. Once you receive your free credit report, evaluate it carefully. Check dates of credit accounts, balances, and minimum payments. If you find any negative credit items or discrepancies, circle them for later reference.

3

Contact the reporting credit bureau. You can do this by filling out the dispute form provided by the creditor or writing a dispute letter. Either way, clearly state the reasons why you are disputing the negative and erroneous credit items. Enclose any supplemental material that might help your case, like copies of canceled checks or closing letters from the creditor.

4

Implement a formal investigation. Once the credit bureau has received this information, they will engage in a formal investigation of your complaint. They will contact the credit issuer regarding the disputed transaction. If the creditor can't prove that the information is valid, it will be removed. If they can prove it is valid, it will remain on your file. After the investigation has been completed, you'll receive a complimentary copy of your report with changes indicated.

5

Take further action if you lose the dispute. Ask the reporting agency to include a statement that explains the situation. Although credit agencies can report negative information for up to 7 years, this will at least allow you to show your point of view. In addition, you can also contact the creditor directly to see if you can prove that they were incorrect. In this instance, you'll need to provide them with proof of the wrong information.