What is a Dispute Letter?
What does a dispute letter entail and why do I need to know how to write a credit dispute letter? Great questions!
A dispute letter is a letter that consumers send to credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, to challenge information on a credit report that the consumer believes is incorrect, untimely, misleading, or incomplete. Disputes give credit bureaus an opportunity to review, edit, and update credit reports with the most up to date information.
Dispute letters detail the inaccurate information that consumers are disputing and why it should be edited or removed. Be sure to include your contact details, list each error, and include a clear statement explaining why you are disputing the information.
Also, you should specifically request that the information be removed or corrected, and provide supporting information including copies of documents like pay records or court decisions. It is suggested that consumers forward dispute letters via certified mail to preserve rights that disputing online may otherwise require you to waive.
Why Should I Consider Writing a Dispute Letter?
A dispute letter should be considered because:
- The wrong information can destroy your credit scores, leading to lowered credit ratings, unreasonably high interest rates, and loan application rejections.
- You have the option provided by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to get inaccurate items researched and deleted within a reasonable amount of time.
- Credit agencies are required to remove disputed data if they cannot verify that it was collected from the original creditor, which can enhance your credit record.
Should I Send a Letter to All Three Bureaus?
When disputing errors, it is advisable to contact all three credit bureaus including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If one report contains a mistake, it is likely that the same error may be reported by the other bureaus as well. Disputing with all three helps ensure that the discrepancies are researched and removed from your records at each bureau.
How Will I Know If the Credit Bureau Received My Letter?
To ensure your dispute letter is received, send it via certified mail requiring a return receipt or delivery confirmation. This way, you receive acknowledgement when the credit bureau receives your letter. You should receive a letter typically within thirty days, confirming the receipt of your dispute letter and whether the credit agency can verify the disputed information.
Should I Send the Letter to The Creditor that Reported the Errors?
The credit agencies usually correspond with the initial creditor. You are not required to forward a letter of dispute directly to the creditor, but it can be helpful as a supplementary measure. The primary legal procedure, however, is carried out through the dispute you file with the credit bureaus. The claim must be reviewed within 4 weeks, and corrected if the information you contested is legitimate.
Should I Sue the Credit Bureaus?
Some disputes can be taken care of through disputes. However, if the bureau fails to correct the information after a reasonable investigation, you may consider contacting a consumer lawyer and pursuing legal action. If the inaccuracies are fraudulent or constitute a known violation of the FCRA, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to seek damages (money).
How to Contact the Credit Bureaus?
You can submit dispute letters to each credit bureau via mail. As stated previously, it is highly recommended to file via certified mail to preserve your rights. Review each agency’s contact details below.
| Agency | Dispute Address | Phone Number |
| Equifax |
Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374-0256 |
1-866-349-5191 |
| Experian |
Experian P.O. Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013
|
1-888-397-3742 |
| TransUnion |
TransUnion Consumer Solutions P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016-2000
|
1-800-916-8800 |
Example Dispute Letter
Date
Consumer’s full name and address
Credit bureau’s full address
Re: Dispute under Section 611 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act
To Whom It May Concern:
I am contacting you regarding the credit report issued to me that contains inaccuracies. I have notated the sections that I am disputing. Please investigate the items included below and correct or remove information that is false and/or you are unable to verify:
- List the item(s) in question, including the date the report was issued.
- I dispute this item because (list your reason for disputing) it cannot be verified.
- If applicable, list other items contested and the rationale.
The law requires you to conduct a reasonable investigation of the items mentioned within thirty days of receiving this letter and remove any unsupported items. Please return the adjusted report to me by (date allowing 30 days).
Please send confirmation of your investigation and a copy of the updated credit report. You can reach me at (insert contact details).
Thank you for considering this matter.
Sincerely,
Consumer’s Signature
Consumer’s Typed Full Name
Attachments: (Indicated attachments, including copies of the credit reports, if any)
Recap:
When writing your dispute letter, it is a good rule of thumb to identify every disputed item, provide reasons for the dispute, and request an investigation or removal of the information you do not agree with. If you get stuck or still have concerns about the dispute process, many consumer attorneys provide consultations to assist you in this process. You do not have to face credit errors alone!