Credit Dispute Generator

You're entitled to one free report from each bureau every year. Get all three — errors often appear on one but not the others.

Go through each report line by line. Look for:

• Accounts you don't recognize — could be identity theft or mixed files
• Wrong balances — amounts that don't match your records
• Incorrect late payments — payments marked late when you paid on time
• Paid debts showing unpaid — collections you already settled
• Duplicate accounts — same debt listed twice
• Old debts (7+ years) — should fall off automatically
• Wrong personal info — addresses, employers, names you don't recognize

For each item you dispute, collect supporting documents:

• Bank statements showing payments were made
• Cancelled checks or payment confirmations
• Settlement letters from creditors
• Identity theft reports (if applicable) from identitytheft.gov
• Court documents showing bankruptcy discharge
• Letters from creditors acknowledging errors

No evidence? You can still dispute — the bureau is required to investigate regardless. Just be specific about what's wrong.

ALWAYS send disputes via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This proves they received it and starts the 30-day clock.

• Go to USPS.com or your local post office
• Request "Certified Mail with Return Receipt" (~$7-8)
• Keep the tracking number and green receipt card when it comes back
• This is your proof if you need to sue later

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is your weapon. Under FCRA:

• Bureaus MUST investigate within 30 days (45 if you send documents)
• They MUST forward your dispute to the creditor
• If they can't verify, they MUST delete it
• They MUST send you results in writing
• Violations = $100-$1,000 per violation + actual damages + attorney fees

If they violate any of this, you can sue in federal court. Many attorneys take these cases on contingency.