How Do I Dispute Credit Report Errors?

Consumers often contact us and ask how to dispute credit report errors.  Its easy.  First, order your credit reports from the nationwide consumer reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.  You should order your free credit reports from each of the bureaus using this one page form.  Download the free-annual-disclosure-request-form and mail it to the address on the form. You can request the report from one, two or all three credit bureaus.  You should receive your reports in about two weeks.

Second, after you receive your reports, review all of the information in the report and make a list of the credit report errors.  The report may include incorrect names, telephone numbers, addresses, public records, debt collection accounts, credit accounts or inquiries.  Errors may include misspelled names or missing apartment numbers on addresses.  Credit report errors may also include judgments or collection accounts that do not belong to you.    Make a list of all of the incorrect information on each report.

Third, using your credit report error list, write letters to each of the credit bureaus and tell them what is false and why.  For example, if your report included addresses in a state that you have never lived in, simply say I am disputing addresses in the state of _____ because I never lived in that state.  If you credit report includes collection accounts for accounts that do not belong to you, then tell the credit bureaus that the accounts do not belong to you.  You can do this by simply saying “I am disputing an account with Company ABC because it is not mine.”

Do you have credit report errors?  The Adkins Firm represents consumers with credit report errors.  Contact us for a free consultation to evaluate your potential claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  Remember, its your credit report!