For many, locating an error on your credit report can be nerve-wracking, as one small typo can have a considerable impact on your credit score. As such, it’s imperative to understand how to remedy these issues. Generally, your first option is to write a credit dispute letter to have the erroneous information fixed. The following explores the purpose of the letter, your rights, and how a Los Angeles, California credit report lawyer can assist you during these complex matters to fix the inaccuracies plaguing your credit report.
What Is a Credit Dispute Letter?
When you discover incorrect information on your credit report, such as a duplicate account, an incorrect late payment date, or an outdated address, it’s important to have this information remedied. In many instances, these errors can impact your ability to secure loans or open accounts in your name. In other instances, they could affect your ability to secure housing or find employment.
As such, the Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to file a dispute to have inaccurate or fraudulent information removed from your credit report. As such, the reporting agencies have established that all disputes must be handled by filing a formal dispute through a letter. This allows consumers the opportunity to clearly explain the error on their report and provide context to show how the error can be fixed or if it should be removed from the report.
What Should I Include in My Letter?
Generally, to begin your dispute letter you’ll want to include your information, like your name, address, and phone number. Next, you’ll address the reporting agency, and explicitly state the purpose of the letter is to dispute the inclusion of information on your report.
Once you have opened your letter, you can begin explaining the incorrect information. For example, you may say that there is an error regarding the listing from ABC Credit Card, showing a late payment. You will then explain why this is incorrect, such as that you’ve never had a late payment on this credit card. Next, you should indicate that you have attached supplementary evidence to support this claim.
You should ask that this matter be resolved as quickly as possible. After closing the letter, you should include a hard copy of your credit report with the incorrect information highlighted and any supplemental documents that help support your claim. You should not, however, mail any original copies of documents.
When you mail the letter, you should do so through certified mail. This ensures you will receive a receipt that the letter was obtained by the reporting agency.
Unfortunately, you may find that despite sending a thorough dispute, the reporting agency still denies your claim. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from Los Angeles Legal Solutions as soon as possible. We believe no one should have to endure the mistakes caused by a reporting agency, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you remedy the errors in your report. When you need help, connect with our team today to learn how we can fight for you.
