Sample Credit Report Dispute Letter

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Individual citizens often have more success in correcting their credit than any other representative (with the possible exception of private attorneys). Anyone can improve his or her credit by challenging the credit file. This article gives you a specific, successful method for arguing your point.

A dispute letter is a powerful tool, but you must be careful in how you shape and send your disputes. Without a good plan, your letter will not accomplish that which you intend. On the other hand, a great letter likely will get items removed from your credit report, because a long battle with you is more trouble than most credit agencies are willing to deal with.

Dispute Letters

• Be sure to compare your report information on all three major credit reports.
• Keep copies of all of your evidence and the letters you have sent. Never give away an original document. Use notary seals as necessary to keep the original in your possession.
• Send letters via certified mail/return receipt and attach the certified mail receipt to your dispute letter.
• Discuss only one item per letter. It may be more time-consuming and costly, but not as costly as it would be not to get results!
• As much as is practical, use a novel letter for each dispute. Tell your story as accurately as possible.
• Have someone proofread your letter before it is sent to ensure that your case has been made clearly and completely.

If your attempts do not work as planned and a reporting agency refuses to remove an item, make sure that your side of the dispute is included in your credit file. While some counselors will suggest that you put a statement on your file as soon as possible, the better practice is to try to remove the negative information first. If the agency refuses, or worse, finds proof of the negative item(s) you are disputing, then consider adding a statement to your file. You have the right to add a statement… it is your credit report after all.

Month, Day, 2007
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code

Complaint Department
Name of Credit Reporting Agency (Debthelp.com lists these addresses in other articles on collection practices. See “Removing Negative Items”.)
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Greetings:

I am writing to dispute seriously misleading and damaging information in my file.

The items I dispute are circled on the attached copy of my credit report.
(Here, identify a dispute by the name of the source, such as a creditor or tax
court, and the exact type of item, such as a credit account, judgment, or lien.)

These items are (inaccurate or incomplete) because (example, “this information represents a debt I fully believe was already paid and mistakenly listed as unpaid”). Pursuant to my rights under the FRCA, this item should be deleted to accurately reflect my known credit.

Enclosed are accurate copies to support these facts (use this sentence if applicable and describe any enclosed documentation, such as payment records, court documents). My understanding of the FRCA indicates I can expect a written response from you in the very near future. Thank you for helping to resolve this important matter.

Sincerely,

You Signature

Typed Name

ENC: (List what you are enclosing.)