How to Change Wrong Items on Credit Reports

You credit report is important and can easily be inaccurate. The credit reporting agencies aren't nearly as accurate as you would imagine. There are three agencies, and anything from perspective employers to utility companies to mortgage and car loan companies check this report before they decide how and if they will do business with you. Correcting mistakes on your credit report will save you money and headaches.

Instructions

1

Get a copy of your credit report. The three credit reporting agencies are Experian, Trans Union and Equifax. All three are used to monitor your credit; some creditors check only one report, but many use all three. You can buy a copy of your credit report from each company, or you can use services that give you copies of all three combined. Get a free copy of your credit report from all three agencies once a year at the Annual Credit Report website (see Resources).

2

Contact each agency about mistakes in your file. Send a letter by snail mail to the agency, clearly outlining the mistakes. Provide copies of documentation supporting your case. The agency should investigate and get back to you within about 30 days. Send the letter with return receipt requested so you have proof they received it.

3

Send the information about your dispute directly to the company reporting the problem. Include copies of your documentation, and let them know you are disputing the report.

4

Block identity theft portions of your report. If you have experienced identity theft, you can have those portions of your credit report blocked from viewing. You must fill out, notarize and file the ID theft report with the agency.

5

Check your credit report again several months later. If the error comes back, file a complaint again and include the corrected report. Also file a complaint about the creditor with the FTC.