Items to Dispute In Your Credit Report

The Burden of Proof is Not on You!

One of the most important facts involving credit disputes is that it is the creditor who must prove that the information in question is accurate rather than the consumer proving that it is inaccurate. This is one of the few instances in our bureaucracy-laden society where the odds are stacked in favor of the little guy. If a creditor cannot provide documentation to prove that an item they reported to the credit bureaus is accurate they must withdraw it. Furthermore, once a dispute is resolved in your favor the credit bureaus to which the erroneous information was reported to must, if you request it, notify everyone who received your report in the previous six months (two years, for anyone who received a copy for employment purposes) of the correction.

Not All Creditors Keep records As Well As They Should

Creditors are individual business with a wide range of practices and internal quality control systems. As such, there are many institutions will not be able to supply the required supporting documentation for your dispute(s). This works decidedly to your advantage as in these instances the dispute will be automatically be resolved in your favor.

A Brief List of Items You Should Dispute

  • Incorrect personal information. Include a copy of your driver's license, LES statement, or phone bill to correct this information.
  • Incorrect or obsolete public record information (i.e., bankruptcies or judgments). Send a copy of your discharge papers or canceled checks to show that the information should no longer be reported.
  • Accounts that are not yours
  • Accounts that have been paid, closed or discharged in bankruptcy.
  • Incorrect or outdated negative statements or late payment information.
  • Credit inquiries more than two years old.
  • Accounts with which you have had a favorable payment history which are missing from your report

    • 9 Tips on Disputing Items

  • Submit your dispute in writing, credit bureaus require this and will not take claims verbally or over the internet
  • Send a separate dispute letter for each individual item
  • Supply your name, address and Social Security number in all letters of dispute
  • Send each dispute via certified mail with a return receipt requested.
  • Make copies of each letter you send for your records
  • Only send copies of your supporting documentation, never originals
  • Persistence may be necessary as more than one letter of dispute may be required
  • While a dispute is in process credit bureaus must show any disputed items as "Disputed" on your credit report
  • Always supply enough information for the credit bureau to conduct its investigation