Fix an Error on Your Credit Report
If you have recently checked your credit report from one of the three bureaus and noticed an error on it, you should really try and fix it. Having an error on your credit report can be very detrimental to your finances. It can mean higher interests rates for your mortgage or being denied for a credit card. Finding an error may indicate that there is a simple mistake; someone may have a similar name to yours and therefore some of your information may be mixed up, or you could be the victim of identity theft. You can find out how to check your credit report for free.
Thankfully the Fair Credit Reporting Act makes it pretty easy for a person to fix any errors. You will need to make copies of your documents and mail the documents and a letter to the credit bureaus. In the letter you will tell them what the error is and the documentation to back it up.
The letter should clearly state your name, address, what parts of the credit report you are disputing, why you are disputing it, and request that the information be modified or removed from your report.
The credit bureaus are required by law to investigate your claim within 30 days. After the 30 days you should receive a reply in the mail whether or not they support your claim and have changed your credit report. If they do not decide in your favor you may have the dispute posted in your credit report.
Make sure you mail a letter to each credit bureau. Addresses:
Equifax |
Experian |
Transunion |
Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc. P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374 |
Experian Information Solutions Inc. 505 City Pkwy W Orange, CA 92868 |
TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834 |
More information on the topic: from the FTC