How to Dispute Errors on a Credit Report

Credit reporting bureaus are not infallible, and for this reason, it is good to know how to dispute errors on a credit report. Credit report errors can prevent you from buying a house or a vehicle, can cause your insurance rates to rise, and can even deny you employment – so it is important to ensure that all the information contained therein is accurate and up to date.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, 26 percent of consumer credit reports contain at least one error on one or more of their credit reports.

Why Does My Credit Report Contain Errors?

Often, the cause is simple human error. Someone makes a mistake when entering data, or may enter something twice. In other cases, errors can result from closed accounts or disputes over a debt in which the creditor continues collection action.

What is the First Step?

If you have found errors in your credit report, the dispute process begins by contacting the credit reporting company or companies that issued the report, (Equifax, Experian, and Transunion). Provide a written document that explains why you believe the information to be erroneous and why. If you submit this via post, be sure to include the following information:

• your name, address and phone number
• the confirmation on the report in question (if available)
• a list of all errors
• an explanation of why you are filing the dispute
• a request that the errors be corrected or removed

You should also include documentation and a copy of the credit report you believe to be in error. It’s a good idea to send the letter via certified mail in order to have proof of delivery. Alternatively, you can dispute errors on a credit report online; all three reporting bureaus have web forms that you can access for this purpose.

What’s Next?

Your second step is to contact the company (a bank, credit card issuer, retailer, landlord, etc.) that reported the erroneous information. Be sure to identify the specific items that are in dispute, and again, be prepared to provide proof. (Note: if you have reason to believe the errors are the result of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission through its website.) 

What Happens Then?

Once a credit reporting bureau receives your request, they are legally obligated to investigate, provide the information to whoever submitted the information (known as the “furnisher”) and notify you of the outcome. If they determine your claim is a frivolous one and decide not to investigate, they must notify you within 5 days. If the furnisher agrees that their report was in error, they are required to notify all three credit reporting bureaus. If they believe their report to be accurate and refuse to correct it, you will want to have them include a statement in your file explaining the dispute.

They Won’t Budge and I Still Need to Dispute Errors on A Credit Report. What Can I Do?

If the credit reporting bureau(s) and/or the furnisher refuses to correct your credit report and you still believe they are in the wrong, you can file a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Join a Free Credit Report Errors Lawsuit Investigation

If you have errors on your credit report, you may qualify to participate in a credit report lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.