Ready to write a credit dispute letter, but don’t know where to start? Well, these tips will help you know exactly what to do so that you can get the deletions that you are looking for.
1. Write your dispute letters on a typewriter or computer word processor.
Using a program like Microsoft Word, Word Perfect or Open Office will help you keep your letter clean and professional. Credit bureaus will not accept handwritten dispute letters, so be sure to write your letter.
2. Write a different letter with the address and name of each credit bureau.
Each credit bureau is its own entity and they will not accept a letter addressed to all credit bureaus.
3. Include your account name and account number in your letter for each account you are disputing, as well as the reason you are disputing that item.
If your account number has Xs on it, include them. Write your account information the same way it appears on your paper copy or online credit report.
4. First, dispute all the items such as “This account is not mine.”
This will allow the credit reporting agencies to do their own thorough verification of that account. If you return as verified, you will need to send additional letters or eventually settle the account.
5. Include a portion of the Fair Credit Reporting Act sections to back up what you’re saying.
The credit bureaus will take your letter more seriously if they can see that you know what you are talking about. The location of the sections of the Fair Credit Reporting Act will help keep them in the proper arrangement.
Here are some great basic tips you can follow when writing your own dispute letter.