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Credit Repair Help: Use This Checklist To Dispute A Negative Entry
These are the steps to follow to clear negative entries off your credit report. Print out a copy and check off each item as you complete it.
Review and print out a free copy of your credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com. They'll ask you about your prior addresses and items that may appear on your credit record to verify your identity. Also, you'll be directed to each of the 3 reporting agencies independently from that site. Once you access your reports, you'll have 30 days to log back in to see the same report. If you want a refreshed copy, you'll need to pay for it.
Look through your reports to check for errors. Each report will probably have differences since not every creditor reports to every agency. If one agency removes something from your report, they are required to tell the other two to do the same.
Write a letter to each of the agencies that explains why any negative items shouldn't be on your report. If you have documentation saying something has been paid, etc, send that along with it. You can also write and ask for them to add any accounts in good standing that they may not have listed. You'll need written verification of that too so it's easier to ask your creditor directly to report any good credit you've built.
In listing negative items to dispute, include account names, numbers, dates, etc. Write why you're disputing it as well. Valid reasons are that it's an account you never had, the dates or amounts are wrong, etc. If you don't have a better reason, you can always say you don't recall having that account. I'm not saying to dispute items you know are true because most creditors have staff dedicated to verifying accounts and that won't get it off just because you listed it. Plus, lying can get you in trouble.
The items you must include are your full name with middle name and suffix, current and past mailing addresses for the past two years, social security number, and date of birth.
You must also include a copy of a government issued ID AND a copy of a utility bill, insurance or bank statement. Verification that's NOT valid: credit card statements, voided checks, lease agreements, magazine subscriptions, or post office forwarding orders. These documents only will work. Otherwise the agencies will send you a letter saying you didn't include enough information to identify yourself.
Send your letter USPS certified mail. If you don't, you run the risk of them "losing" your letter and you having no way to verify you sent it.
Check the tracking you got on the certified letter. They are required to investigate within 30 days. You should hear back from them shortly after that.
That's all there is to it. Next, you can start building better credit.
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