Why Disputing a Credit Report Error Matters
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumer reporting agencies have obligations concerning the accuracy of the information they report and the investigation of disputed information.
A dispute also creates an important record showing that you notified the credit reporting agency about the inaccurate information.
Be as specific as possible when explaining what is wrong. Identify the account or information you are disputing, explain why it is inaccurate, and state how it should be corrected.
If you have documents supporting your dispute, include copies with your letter and keep the originals for your records.
Before You Send Your Credit Report Dispute Letter
Review your credit report dispute letter carefully and make sure your explanation is accurate and complete.
Include copies of documents that support what you are telling the credit reporting agency. Do not send your original documents; only send copies to the credit reporting agency. Depending on the type of error, the documents you send could include payment records, account statements, correspondence, identity theft documentation, court records, or other evidence.
Keep a copy of your completed dispute letter and everything you send with it.
You should also keep documentation showing when your dispute was sent and received. The best way to do this is to send your dispute letters through certified mail.
If the same error appears on reports from more than one credit reporting agency, you will need to dispute the information separately with each agency.
What Happens After You Dispute a Credit Report Error?
The FCRA generally gives a credit reporting agency 30 days to investigate a dispute.
As part of its investigation, the credit reporting agency may contact the company that provided the disputed information, often called the furnisher.
Once the investigation is completed, review the results carefully.
- Did the credit reporting agency correct the error?
- Did it delete information that could not be verified?
- Or is the same inaccurate information still appearing on your report?
That last question can be particularly important.
What If the Credit Reporting Agency Doesn’t Fix the Error?
You did what you were supposed to do. You identified the error, notified the credit reporting agency, and gave it an opportunity to investigate.
If inaccurate information continues to be reported after your dispute, it may be time to speak with our consumer protection attorneys.
You may have a case against the credit reporting agency if:
- Your dispute was ignored or not properly investigated
- Inaccurate information remained after you disputed it
- An error that was corrected later reappeared
- You were denied a loan or credit because of inaccurate information
- You were denied an apartment or other housing
- A credit reporting error cost you a job or promotion
- The inaccurate reporting caused you other financial harm
Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. has represented consumers nationwide in Fair Credit Reporting Act litigation for decades. We understand how credit reporting errors happen, how disputes should be investigated, and what can happen when inaccurate information isn’t corrected.
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