Credit Repair Help: A Checklist To Dispute Negative Entries
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Here are the steps you need to clean up your credit. Print out a copy of this to track your progress and keep a copy for your records.
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.
On your copy, mark any negative entries that should be removed. Every creditor is different and may not report to all three agencies. Look at each report for differences. If you do have items removed, the agency is required to notify the others so they can remove it too.
Write a letter explaining why each of those negative items should not be on your report. Additionally, if you have an account that’s in good standing that’s not listed, you can have them add that. You’ll need verification and it might be easier to ask your creditor to report it directly.
As you list items to dispute, include all the info they have listed so there’s no question regarding which account you’re disputing. Tell them exactly why you’re disputing it. If you’re just not sure about it, you can say you don’t recall having that account. If you do remember it and realize it’s valid, the best you can do is negotiate with the creditor that put it there. Most larger creditors have staff dedicated to verifying accounts so don’t list things just because you think they won’t have time to respond.
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 it. You can now take steps to start building better credit.
Fix bad credit! Do your own credit history repair without an agency. Visit www.creditrepairsecrets.org for free credit help.