Here is some credit repair help - a checklist to help you dispute negative entries on your credit report. Print and save a copy to track your progress.
Access a free copy of your credit report from each of the three reporting agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com. You'll need to supply 2 years of prior addresses and verify items that may or may not appear on your report to identify yourself. From that main website you'll be directed to each of the reporting agencies individually. Be sure and keep track of all your logins and passwords. You have 30 days to log back in for free so print out copies you can write on.
Look through your reports to check for errors. Each report will probably have differences since not every creditor reports to every agency. If one agency removes something from your report, they are required to tell the other two to do the same.
Next you'll write a letter to each of the reporting agencies explaining why each negative item should be removed. If you have good credit that's not been reported, you can mention that too as long as you have documentation to back it up. Otherwise, contact the appropriate creditors and ask them to report the accounts.
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.
Include a copy of a government issued ID AND a copy of a utility bill, insurance or bank statement. NOT valid: credit card statements, voided checks, lease agreements, magazine subscriptions, or post office forwarding orders. If you don't include these items exactly, the reporting agencies will kick your letter back and tell you to do it again.
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.
You can track the certified letter delivery online. The agencies are required to investigate and verify each item within 30 days or delete it off your record.
That's it. You can now take steps to start building better credit. - 29866
Access a free copy of your credit report from each of the three reporting agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com. You'll need to supply 2 years of prior addresses and verify items that may or may not appear on your report to identify yourself. From that main website you'll be directed to each of the reporting agencies individually. Be sure and keep track of all your logins and passwords. You have 30 days to log back in for free so print out copies you can write on.
Look through your reports to check for errors. Each report will probably have differences since not every creditor reports to every agency. If one agency removes something from your report, they are required to tell the other two to do the same.
Next you'll write a letter to each of the reporting agencies explaining why each negative item should be removed. If you have good credit that's not been reported, you can mention that too as long as you have documentation to back it up. Otherwise, contact the appropriate creditors and ask them to report the accounts.
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.
Include a copy of a government issued ID AND a copy of a utility bill, insurance or bank statement. NOT valid: credit card statements, voided checks, lease agreements, magazine subscriptions, or post office forwarding orders. If you don't include these items exactly, the reporting agencies will kick your letter back and tell you to do it again.
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.
You can track the certified letter delivery online. The agencies are required to investigate and verify each item within 30 days or delete it off your record.
That's it. You can now take steps to start building better credit. - 29866
About the Author:
Find out how to do your own credit repair without an agency. Visit www.creditrepairsecrets.org for free credit advice.
