How to Do a Credit Report Dispute

A credit report dispute is something that should not be taken lightly. Much like wedding vows, it is important to understand that you are undertaking an action that can change your financial "life".

For many reasons, it is important to understand that you are attempting to right your credit standing and if you are only going to place yourself in the same financial position six months, a year, two years, down the road...what's the sense? You need to understand that you will need, much like when getting married, to make some lifestyle changes in order to keep from placing yourself in financial hot water yet again!

If you still want to continue with your credit report dispute (which I personally think is a good idea!), I would like to give you some helpful information to use in your pursuit of financial well-being.

For all Requests for Investigation you will need the following information:

- a copy of your current credit report;

- SSN;

- date of birth;

- current address;

- company name and account number of the disputed item; and,

- the reason for your dispute.

Also, it is important to know that all Requests for Investigation are free.

Regarding the three credit agencies, following is information specific to each one:

- TransUnion: You can read TransUnion's credit dispute policy by going to their website at www.transunion.com. You can learn how to dispute items on your credit report by reading TransUnion's policy. Then, you will need to submit your Request for Investigation by either of three methods - online, phone or mail. Submitting your request online will normally render faster resolution of your claim and will allow you "online access to the status of your open dispute." You can also phone in your request by calling (800) 916-8800. If you should decide to mail your Request for Investigation to TransUnion, you may include all the pertinent information in a letter or you may use the TransUnion form which can be downloaded for this purpose and mail the information to the address listed on the form.

- Experian: You can also dispute Experian credit report online by going to their website at www.experian.com. Again, submitting your Review for Investigation online will bring faster resolution of your claim. You may also call the toll free phone number on your Experian credit report to submit your Review for Investigation. Experian specifically states on its website that it will not process any Reviews for Investigation which are faxed as they feel this method of transmitting personal financial information is unwise.

- Equifax: To learn how to dispute things on your credit report, you may visit Equifax's website at www.equifax.com. You may submit your Request for Investigation online, by phone or by mail. Online transmission will be fastest. You will find a toll free phone number listed at the bottom of your online Equifax Credit Report which you can use to submit your Request for Investigation by phone. To file your credit report dispute via mail, complete your letter with the appropriate information and mail the letter to Equifax Information Services, LLC, PO Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374.

So, armed with the information above, go ahead and make the decision to take the plunge and pursue credit report dispute. Just remember that you and your credit rating will be together "for as long as you both shall live" and keep yourself out of financial hot water!

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