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.
Highlight any negative entries. Creditors don't always report everything to every agency so look for differences on each report. If they remove a negative item the are required to notify the other agencies so they can remove it as well if they have it recorded.
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.
When you list negative items, include all the names, addresses, account numbers, dates, amounts, etc so there's no question which items you're disputing. Have a good reason for disputing each item as well. Saying you never had that account works if it's true. Saying you don't want it on your report doesn't. If you're not sure, you can validly claim that you don't recall having that account. Don't dispute something and just hope it will fall off because most major creditors have a staff dedicated to verifying accounts.
Include your full name (incl. middle name and generation), current mailing address, date of birth, social security number, complete mailing addresses for the last two years.
You must 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. You have to include these items exactly or the reporting agencies will reply they don't have enough information to identify you and tell you to do it again.
Send your letter USPS certified mail. You run the risk of them "losing" your letter if you don't. You having no way to verify you sent it without certifying 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. - 31377
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.
Highlight any negative entries. Creditors don't always report everything to every agency so look for differences on each report. If they remove a negative item the are required to notify the other agencies so they can remove it as well if they have it recorded.
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.
When you list negative items, include all the names, addresses, account numbers, dates, amounts, etc so there's no question which items you're disputing. Have a good reason for disputing each item as well. Saying you never had that account works if it's true. Saying you don't want it on your report doesn't. If you're not sure, you can validly claim that you don't recall having that account. Don't dispute something and just hope it will fall off because most major creditors have a staff dedicated to verifying accounts.
Include your full name (incl. middle name and generation), current mailing address, date of birth, social security number, complete mailing addresses for the last two years.
You must 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. You have to include these items exactly or the reporting agencies will reply they don't have enough information to identify you and tell you to do it again.
Send your letter USPS certified mail. You run the risk of them "losing" your letter if you don't. You having no way to verify you sent it without certifying 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. - 31377
About the Author:
Find out how to do your own credit history repair without an agency. Visit www.creditrepairsecrets.org for free credit advice.
