Posts Tagged ‘how to write a dispute letter’

How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

If you’re trying to write a credit dispute letter, then you know that sending a letter to the bureaus can remove bad credit like charge offs, collections, etc.

Saying the RIGHT things, in the RIGHT way in your dispute letter is crucial. On the other hand, saying the WRONG things in your dispute letter could result in the bureaus putting a red flag on your credit files – which means credit repair just got a LOT harder for you.

Here are the addresses for the three credit bureaus that you will need:

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374

Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022

Experian
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013

You can find samples of credit repair letters online but here is a list of information you will definitely need to include.

Identifying information
When writing a credit repair letter to the credit bureaus be sure to include your full legal name, your social security number, your current address and a copy of your driver’s license or passport.

Don’t feel like including this info? Then, expect the bureaus to send you stall letters and drag the process out for months longer than necessary.

Account information
Include as much information about the account in question as possible in your credit repair letter. Definitely include the name of the entry, the name of the original creditor, the name of the collection agency and the amount owed.

Your dispute
Incorporate into the letter as professionally as possible why you are disputing the entry on your credit report. If the entry is invalid, provide all documentation supporting your argument.

If the entry is being reported inaccurately you must have copies of the proof you have collected to support your claim. Supporting documents are very, very important to your dispute. It never hurts to quote laws that protect your rights. For example, “Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (cite the paragraph or sentence that applies) this item is being reported inaccurately.”

Organization
You should mail your letters and copies of documentation to the three credit bureaus using certified mail through the postal service. You will have peace of mind know the bureaus received your letter. Keep copies of all correspondence in a safe place.

Perhaps keep a spreadsheet documenting the items disputed, when disputed, the result, etc. It might take more than one attempt to get the desired result you are seeking.

If you’re not an organized person – or if this seems like too much work for you, consider handing it over to an affordable credit lawyer – like I did.

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Posted in credit strategies | 73 Comments »

How to Write a Dispute Letter to the Credit Bureaus

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Here are a few tips on how to write a dispute letter to the credit bureaus.

When we were fixing our credit scores, we made a few mistakes when sending in letters to the bureaus. We especially messed things up with our Experian dispute.

We hope you don’t make these same credit disputing mistakes!

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (”FDCPA”) assures your rights as a consumer.  Collection agencies are not allowed to report information to credit bureaus unless it has been verified.

Of course, there are some less than honorable collection agencies, and you are protected by law if you find an erroneous reporting on your credit report.

Writing a Dispute Letter is one of the first things to do in order to document the error on your report. There are three credit bureaus to whom you should address this letter:  Experian Dispute Department, TransUnion Dispute Department and Equifax Dispute Department.  You can find the address and phone numbers on line.

You are guaranteed certain information once you ask for it in the letter, and they are obligated by law to respond.  However, they will move slowly and hope you become frustrated and just give up.

If this happens to you…don’t give up!

Here is what you should include in your dispute letter to the credit bureaus:

  • Request the debt be deleted immediately upon investigation.
  • Remind them they are violating your rights by listing a erroneous entry.
  • The amount of the debt – Is this the true amount owed, or are there late fees and penalties added.
  • The date it was incurred.
  • Proof of contract – they need to provide something you have signed to prove the debt is really yours.
  • The licensing authority under which the collection agency is operating – they may not even be allowed to operate in your state.
  • What is the date of this debt and does the statute of limitations apply.
  • Has the debt be charged off or sold to another agency?  If it turns out the debt is really yours, you may have already paid the debt before it was repackaged and sold to another collection agency.
  • Request this debt not be reentered at a later date.  Some collection agencies will try to resubmit the erroneous information.
  • If you are the victim of identity theft, make that clear as well.
  • Do NOT list your full social security number, block out the first five with an xxx and list the last four.  This will give them enough information to match with your current report on line.

Always make a copy of the letter or correspondence for your records.  Send your letter certified mail, return receipt requested.

Remember, don’t give up! Even if your dispute letter does not remove the questionable bad credit, you can always hire an affordable credit repair service to delete those stubborn credit items!

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Posted in credit strategies | 11 Comments »