November 3rd, 2016 5:17 PM by Elizabeth Washburn
If you encounter an error on your credit report, you can take several steps to correct the matter. Below is a step-by-step guide to get you through this project. Be patient. It can take up to 60 days sometimes to get the entire report corrected.
1. First, get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major Credit Reporting Agencies (CRA): Equifax, http://www.equifax.com; Experian, http://www.experian.com; and TransUnion, http://www.tuc.com.
3. Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the CRA received.
4. The FCRA mandates that all CRAs reinvestigate the items in question — usually within 30 days. They also must forward all relevant data you provide about the dispute to the credit card company. After the credit card company receives notice of a dispute from the CRA, it must investigate, review all relevant information and report the results to the CRA.
5. If the disputed information is found to be inaccurate, the credit card company must notify all nationwide CRAs so they can correct this information in your file. Disputed information that cannot be verified must be deleted from your file.
6. When the reinvestigation is complete, the CRA must give you the written results and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. If an item is changed or removed, the CRA cannot put the disputed information back in your file unless the credit card company verifies its accuracy and completeness, and the CRA gives you a written notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the credit card company.
7. In addition to the CRA, you should also write to the credit card company about the error. Again, include copies of documents that support that they made an error. Further, at your request, the CRA must send notices of corrections to anyone who received your report in the past six months.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is designed to promote accuracy and ensure the privacy of the information used in consumer reports. Under the FCRA, both the credit reporting agency (CRA) and the creditor must correct any errors or incomplete information in your report.
If you need further guidance in this endeavor, please feel free to reach out to me at Elizabeth@NewThresholdMortgage.com.