Credit - How do I dispute an error on a credit report

How do I dispute an error on my credit report?

Answer: To dispute an error on your credit report, contact both the credit reporting company and the company that provided the information.

  • STEP #1

    STEP 1: Dispute the information with the credit reporting company.


    If you identify an error on your credit report, you should start by disputing that information with the credit reporting company (Experian, Equifax, and/or Transunion). You should explain in writing what you think is wrong, why, and include copies of documents that support your dispute.


    If you mail a dispute, your dispute letter should include:


    • Contact information for you including complete name, address, and telephone number
    • Report confirmation number, if available
    • Clearly identify each mistake, such as an account number for any account you may be disputing
    • Explain why you are disputing the information
    • Request that the information be removed or corrected
    • Enclose a copy of the portion of your credit report that contains the disputed items and circle or highlight the disputed items. You should include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position.

    You may choose to send your letter of dispute to credit reporting companies by certified mail and ask for a return receipt, so that you will have a record that your letter was received.

You can contact the nationwide credit reporting companies online, by mail, or by phone:

Credit Reporting Companies

  • EQUIFAX

    EQUIFAX


    Online: www.Equifax.com


    By phone: Phone number provided on credit report or (866) 349-5191


    By mail: Mail the dispute form with your letter to:

    Equifax Information Services LLC

    P.O. Box 740256

    Atlanta, GA 30348

  • EXPERIAN

    EXPERIAN


    Online: www.Experian.com


    By phone: Phone number provided on credit report or (888) 397-3742


    By mail: Use the address provided on your credit report or mail your letter to:

    Experian Information Solutions, Inc.

    P.O. Box 4500

    Allen, TX 75013

  • TRANSUNION

    TRANSUNION


    Online: www.Transunion.com


    By phone: (800) 916-8800


    By mail: Mail the dispute form with your letter to:

    TransUnion LLCConsumer Dispute Center

    P.O. Box 2000

    Chester, PA 19016

Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures

  • STEP #2

    STEP 2: Dispute the information with the company who provided the information (also known as the furnisher).


    What happens after you dispute information on your credit report?


    Credit reporting companies must investigate your dispute, forward all documents to the furnisher, and report the results back to you unless they determine your claim is frivolous. If the consumer reporting company or furnisher determines that your dispute is frivolous, it can choose not to investigate the dispute so long as it sends you a notice within five days saying that it has made such a determination.


    If the furnisher corrects your information after your dispute, it must notify all of the credit reporting companies it sent the inaccurate information to, so they can update their reports with the correct information.


    If the furnisher determines that the information is accurate and does not update or remove the information, you can request the credit reporting company to include a statement explaining the dispute in your credit file. This statement will be included in future reports and provided to whoever requests your credit report. 

TIP: If you suspect that the error on your report is a result of identity theft, visit: www.IdentityTheft.gov

This is the federal government’s one-stop resource to help you report and recover from identity theft.

Source: (CFPB) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau