The Credit Fix Report – Get Those Negative Items Removed

Reviewing your credit report is usually a pretty uneventful thing. You check them and maybe recheck a few items, but all in all it can be a mundane task. Or this could be the first time you’ve looked over you credit reports. Either way you may discover some items that you know are incorrect. So what exactly should you do about these errors? Many people don’t know where to start. Read on to find out what you should do to correct these credit damaging entries.

Keep good records

If you need to dispute an item it is important that you have documentation. Being able to provide a billing statement, canceled check, or receipt will be very helpful to you. Make copies of the original to send out to the parties that need them.

Inform the credit reporting agencies

The credit bureaus are required by law to investigate all dispute claims. If you see an item on your credit report that you know is incorrect take action, the sooner the better. But remember that just because an item is negative doesn’t mean it is incorrect. Don’t waste your and everyone else’s time by disputing accurate items.

Compose a detailed letter to the credit bureau with your name, address, a well explained dispute item, and copies of all materials supporting your claim.

This information should be mailed by certified mail, and include a return receipt requested. What the return receipt will do is let you know when your dispute was received. The credit bureau must investigate the claim in 30 days or less, but the whole process can take significantly longer.

Inform the creditor of the dispute

You’ll follow the same process to notify the creditor, the organization that filed the item, of the dispute. They must include a note that the item is in dispute on your credit report until there is a resolution. They are responsible in providing proof that the item is accurate. If they can’t it must be corrected or removed.

Checking your credit report every year is important. The little mistakes that are on it, or sometimes big mistakes, will add up and lower your credit score. You can handle this process yourself but it can be time consuming. If you find yourself overwhelmed it is in your best interest to let a professional credit repair service help you out.