Inaccurate and negative information can affect the credit score of a consumer in a negative way. Each of the three major bureaus allows consumers to dispute information that is in the report in order to remove entries and raise their score. Knowing how to handle a dispute is important and can result in a higher credit score and a report that is more attractive to lenders.
Look for Inaccurate Information
When determining which information to dispute, consumers should first look for information that is inaccurate. These can be the easiest entries to remove from a report and bring the fastest results in raising a score. Incorrect information can include wrong addresses and phone numbers, an incorrect Social Security Number and a misspelling of the consumer's name on the report. If any of these identifying factors are incorrect, it may be possible to delete all of the accounts and entries associated with them. Also look for incorrect payment history and accounts or inquires that are not yours to have these removed. If there are many inaccurate entries, you may also want to look into the possibility of identity theft.
Know the Reporting Period
Each negative entry on a credit report has a specific amount of time that it can be listed before dropping off the report. For example, a bankruptcy filing can stay on a report for 10 years in a Chapter 7 filing or for seven years in a Chapter 13 case. Negative entries such as collection accounts, foreclosure records and records of late payments will also remain on a credit report for seven years. If you notice that an account is reporting longer than it should, it can be disputed as obsolete and removed from the credit report if the standard period of time has passed. While this can decrease the amount of history on a report, it also decreases the number of negative entries, which will raise a score over time.
Dispute in Writing
While the bureaus will allow consumers to dispute information online, many recommend to do so in writing. When filing a dispute, consumers should include their name, address, phone number and Social Security Number. Also include what information you are disputing as incorrect and why you believe that it should be removed for inaccuracy. Keep a copy of each dispute submitted in order to maintain records and track which disputes have been deleted from your report. In addition, when disputing information always send the dispute via certified mail with a return receipt in order to know that it was received by the bureau.
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