To dispute incorrect information in your Credit Factors:
- Contact the lender or agency that provided the information first. Explain what you believe is incorrect and ask them to verify and update their records if needed.
- If the lender confirms the information is accurate, you can file a dispute directly with the credit bureaus:
- For Equifax: Submit a dispute through their online Dispute Center or by mail.
- For TransUnion: File a dispute through their online dispute process or by mail.
- When filing a dispute, provide:
- Your personal information
- Details about the specific item you're disputing
- An explanation of why you believe it's inaccurate
- Any supporting documentation
- The credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate and verify the information with the furnisher.
- After the investigation, the credit bureau will provide you with the results. If changes are made, you'll receive an updated copy of your credit report.
- If you disagree with the outcome, you can:
- Add a statement to your credit report explaining your side
- Re-file the dispute with additional evidence
- Contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for assistance
Remember to check your credit reports regularly to catch any potential errors early. You're entitled to free annual credit reports from each major bureau.