Free Credit Report Challenge

If you have a copy of the credit report file, it is helpful to enclose a copy of the report and circle, highlight, or otherwise identify the portion of the credit report file which you are challenging.

If you do not have a copy of the report, identify the parties, the nature of the account, the outstanding balance on the account, and the nature of your complaint so that it can be easily identified.

The first step in obtaining your credit report is to check the telephone directory in your area for the name and address of the local credit bureaus. You may find them listed in the telephone Yellow Pages under "Credit Bureaus" or "Credit Reporting Agencies." Your local bank or retailer also may be able to identify them. Credit bureaus must share with you any information they have on file about you. Call the credit bureau to determine the fee that you will be charged to obtain a copy of your credit report. If you have been denied credit in the last 60 days, there should be no charge. Most credit bureaus will mail you a copy of your report, but you may instead wish to visit their office to review your credit report.

There are three main credit bureau agencies in the United States that have credit information:

Equifax

P.O. Box 105873

Atlanta, GA 30348

(800) 685-1111

Experian (Formerly TRW)

P.O. Box 2104

Allen, TX 75013-2104

(888) 397-3742

Trans Union Corporation

P.O. Box 390

Springfield, PA 19064-0390

(800) 888-4213

1. the geographic location in which the company is the strongest,
2. how quickly they can obtain the information,
3. their general access to the information, and
4. the number of times you have moved or changed addresses.

The purpose of this letter is to challenge or explain an unfavorable entry in your credit report.

When you receive your credit report, you should review it carefully for any mistakes and information that is more than seven years old (ten years for bankruptcy). If you do not understand something, ask. The credit bureau staff is required by law to explain your report to you.

Correcting Mistakes
If there is a mistake or you wish to challenge an incorrect entry in your credit report, use this Challenge to a Credit Report letter. You have a right to have your response to a negative entry on your report made part of your credit report. Usually the credit bureau will advise you to contact the party that provided the negative information directly.

If there are mistakes, you can take the following actions:

1. Notify the credit bureau of the problem by using this letter. Provide as much information as you can about what is wrong with the report. The credit bureau must investigate the disputed information at no charge to you. The credit bureau must correct any mistake or delete any information it cannot verify.
   
2. It may be helpful to contact the creditor directly to ensure that the creditor's records are correct.
   
3. If the above steps do not resolve the problem, you can file a written statement of up to 100 words with the credit bureau providing your explanation of the problem. This explanation will be included in your credit report.

Respond to the negative entry in your credit report file by explaining why the entry is incorrect. For example, explain that the outstanding balance is incorrect or payment has already been made. Provide all information which might be relevant and useful to the credit bureau when investigating your complaint.

The fee for obtaining a credit report depends on the credit bureau and the state in which you live. Contact the credit bureau to find out the cost of obtaining the report. If you have been denied credit, employment or insurance within the last 60 days, your credit report should be provided free of charge, but it is necessary for you to provide a copy of the denial letter from the relevant company.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act covers all reporting on individuals as consumers when you apply for and obtain credit, employment, and insurance. The Act creates several consumer rights, including:

1. When a credit report is a factor in turning down an application, the reasons and the name and address of the credit reporting agency must be given.

2. Upon request, the credit reporting agency must inform you about the nature and substance of information in your credit file.

3. Upon request, the credit reporting agency must tell you who has received a report of your credit file. This extends for the past six months for credit and insurance purposes, and for the past two years for employment purposes.

4. If you find inaccurate and unverifiable information, it must be deleted from your credit file.

5. When you find inaccurate information, the credit reporting agency must investigate it.

6. If, after investigating, the credit reporting agency determines that the information is accurate, you have a right to dispute the item. A brief explanation can be filed and made part of all future credit reports.

7. Your credit file must be kept confidential and used only for legitimate business purposes.

8. Personal information in your credit file must not be provided to government agencies unless a court order is obtained.

9. If adverse personal information is in public records, you must be informed when it is reported for employment purposes. You also can have this information kept current.

10. Adverse information must be deleted after seven years (after ten years in bankruptcy cases).

11. If an investigative report is made on your personal life, you have the right to be informed, upon request, of the scope and nature of the report.

12. If you find that an investigative report contains adverse information, you have the right to have that item reinvestigated before the report can be reused.

13. If a credit reporting agency is negligent, you can collect actual damages. If the negligence was willful, it may be possible to collect punitive damages plus lawyer fees and court costs.

An investigative consumer report is a special credit report with more detail than a routine report. It includes information about your character, general reputation, and personal characteristics. It also may include information from interviews with neighbors, friends, or associates, and information concerning your credit standing, driving habits, and driving record.

Requesting a Copy of an Investigative Report
If the information you receive from a lending institution indicates that an investigative report is being undertaken, you have the right (within a reasonable period of time) to request, in writing, a complete and accurate description of its nature and scope.

The lending institution must provide this information within five days after receiving your request. It is not required to respond unless an investigation actually is performed, nor is it required to provide you with the information sources or a copy of the completed report.

1. The Challenge to a Credit Report letter should be signed by you. Retain a copy of the letter for your records.

2. A photocopy of the relevant credit report should be enclosed with the letter. If a specific entry in the report is being challenged, that entry should be marked or highlighted so that it can be easily identified.