Sample letter to a credit reporting agency
Disputing an item in your record

Today's Date

Name of Credit Bureau
Mailing Address of Credit Bureau
City, State, Zip

Your Name
Your Address, City, State, Zip Code

Attention: Complaint Department

Name of the Credit Bureau
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to dispute information in my file. I have circled the item(s) I dispute on the attached copy of that report.

This item (identify item(s) disputed by name of source, such as creditors or tax court, and identify type of item, such as credit account, judgment, etc.) is (inaccurate or incomplete) because (describe what is inaccurate or incomplete and why). I am requesting that the item be removed (or request another specific change) to correct the information.

Enclosed are copies of (use this sentence if applicable and describe any enclosed documentation, such as payment records and court documents) supporting my position. Please reinvestigate this (these) matter(s) and (delete or correct) the disputed item(s) as soon as possible.

According to Section 611 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I am requesting that you re-investigate those items indicated, and promptly delete any unverifiable, inaccurate, or outdated information from my credit report.

Please reinvestigate this (these) matter(s) and (delete or correct) the disputed item(s) as soon as possible.

I am also requesting a description of how the investigation was conducted along with the name, address, and telephone number of anyone contacted for information. Furthermore, if there is a change in my credit history resulting from your investigation, I am requesting that an updated report be sent to those who received my report, within the last two years for employment purposes, or within the last one year for any other purpose.

My full name is:_______________________________________________________

My Social Security # is:_________________________________________________

My date of birth is:_____________________________________________________

My home phone number is:______________________________________________

My address is:__________________________ (Ave., St., etc.) APT:____________

City: ______________________________ State:_______ Zip Code:_____________

Please send me an updated copy of my report, and notification that items have been
deleted. I will consider 30 days a reasonable time for your re-verification of
these items.

Thank you for your prompt attention in this matter.

Sincerely,
Signature: ______________________________

Sincerely,

Your name

Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing.)

Use the 100 Word Statement

If you dispute information on a credit report that you believe to be incorrect, the creditor may disagree. If this happens, the information will remain in your credit history. But your efforts don't have to stop there. If you still think the information is wrong, continue to pursue the issue with the creditor. In addition, you should compose a statement of 100 words or less explaining your dispute and send it to all three credit bureaus. The statement will become part of your credit record and will appear on your credit report for as long as the disputed item. You may also use the 100 word statement to explain why you haven't paid an undisputed bill, as long as the reason is true. For example, a divorce, illness, or death in the family may have caused a delay or a break in your scheduled payments.