How do I correct errors on my report?

You have the right to fix information on your credit report that you think is wrong.

Each agency’s credit report has instructions on how you can fix errors on your credit report. Look toward the end of your credit report. You may find a section titled “How to File a Dispute”; that is where the filing instructions are.

Paper Trail Tip #1: Keep notes of all your phone calls during a credit dispute.

Click here for a worksheet you can use to keep track of what you discuss with your credit reporting agencies or lender >>

To request that errors be fixed, also called “filing a dispute,” send a letter to the credit reporting agency that made the error. You can file a dispute by phone, but it might be better to handle it in writing so you have a record of your request. You can also file a dispute online.

The credit reporting agencies, by law, must respond to your dispute within 30 days.

To file a dispute, prepare a letter describing the errors and why you think they should be removed from your credit report. Whether you send a letter by mail or through the agency’s Web site, here is a sample credit dispute letter you can use:

Sample Credit Dispute Letter

Date Your name Address City, State ZIP Phone Number Social Security Number Date of Birth Name of Credit Reporting Agency Mailing Address of Credit Reporting Agency City, State, ZIP Re: Credit Report Error Dear Sir or Madam: I have discovered incorrect information on my credit report maintained by your agency. Enclosed, please find a copy of my credit report that contains the incorrect information. I have highlighted the errors. Specifically, I dispute the following information: Dispute #1 Company name: ABC Credit Card Account number: 1234 Incorrect information: Late payment reported in June 2006. This is incorrect because I have never been late on this account. I’ve enclosed a copy of my monthly statement showing payment for that billing period. Dispute #2 Incorrect information: The address is incorrect. This is incorrect because I have never lived there. I’ve enclosed copies of monthly credit card and utility bills as evidence of my current address. Please investigate Dispute #1 with the creditor listed on the account. When this error is verified, please remove it from my credit report. For Dispute #2, please update my address to reflect my current address. In addition, please make this letter a permanent part of my credit record. If you have any questions about my request or the credit information in question, please do not hesitate to call me at my phone number listed above. Sincerely, [sign your name here]

Don’t apply for credit while you are trying to correct errors on your credit report.

After you file a dispute, the credit reporting agency you sent your dispute letter to will contact the lender that made the error. As an example, say you found an error with your MasterCard account listed on your credit report from TransUnion. Here is a sample dispute process :

1.	You send a dispute letter to TransUnion. You include copies of evidence that support your dispute (receipts, monthly statements, letters from lenders). TransUnion must respond to your dispute letter within 30 days.
2.	TransUnion contacts MasterCard and asks it to prove (or verify) that the information on your credit report is correct.
3.	If MasterCard cannot verify the information, TransUnion will remove the error from your report. a. If this is the case, ask TransUnion for that verification in writing. b. When you receive verification from TransUnion, check your credit report to make sure the error has been removed. c. If your report is not updated, contact TransUnion and ask it to remove the incorrect information. d. If your report is updated, your dispute is over.
4.	If MasterCard can verify that your information is accurate, ask TransUnion to send you, in writing, how MasterCard proved the information is accurate. This is important. TransUnion might not have actually contacted MasterCard, but instead referred to a database of information that could be outdated or inaccurate. TransUnion must respond to this request in 15 days.	Paper Trail #2: Handling your credit dispute through letters may take more time up front, but in the end you might actually save time because you will written proof of all of your requests.
5.	If TransUnion responds that your credit information is accurate, and you know it is not, call MasterCard. Ask it to send you a copy of your records.
6.	Look over your records to make sure they are correct. If MasterCard did not send you enough information to determine if the information is correct, contact TransUnion again. Tell them MasterCard’s records are incomplete and that you want to open a new dispute.	Paper Trail #3: Organize your bills, monthly statements, and canceled checks as proof that an item on your report is incorrect. You may need to send copies of them (not originals!) with letters you send to lenders during your dispute.
7.	If you are still unsuccessful in correcting information you know is wrong, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a complaint. The FTC will look into the matter and figure out if either TransUnion or MasterCard is breaking any credit laws.

Source: Girl! Get Your Credit Straight by Glinda Bridgforth and Source: Your Credit Score by Liz Pulliam Weston