Repair Credit Report Help

What is the best way to work with credit report disputes that I know should be removed ?

HI, My credit report is a mess, but it shouldn't be. I worked with an attorney and we settled all the debts. Now I need to go in and dispute them so they will clear them. I have the dispute form letter, I am signed up thru an oline site that does credit reports etc. I plan on sending out letters and have the "proof" letters from my attorney. Can I do this online easier ? Any professionals out there who know the tricks ? thanks

Public Comments

1. I'm referring you to a local consumer advocate, Clark Howard. He has a radio call-in show that is syndicated nationally. You could call in to talk with him or you could check out the link below. http://clarkhoward.com/shownotes/category/12/103/ Call 1 to 4p EST: (877) 87-CLARK
2. Many times creditors will list the ways by which you may contact them. Some by phone or by mail. In most circumstances you will need to contact them by mail only. Creditors can take upwards of years to remove these accounts off your credit report, so stay vigilant and proactive to have them removed. Generally 3-6 months is a good turn around time to have disputes resolved and removed. Please remember: just because the debts were resolved doesn't mean that they have to be removed, the report will however show that the account is paid and/or closed. Another way to help increase your score with a dispute is to write each creditor that made a inquiry and ask them to furnish proof in writing that you signed for your credit to be run, and that if it could not be supplied to have the inquiry removed. This does not have to be done for creditors such as Apt complexes, your car dealer, mortgage co.'s...i.e: any creditor that NEEDS to run the credit...these are known as "soft hits" and do not effect your score.
3. Wendy, What are you trying to dispute? If you've paid off the debt and you want it to show on your credit report, this can be done by asking your creditors. You dispute when there's a mistake on your credit report. If the paid items are not getting marked as paid (notice, not removed) you can send the dispute letter. If I were you, I'd focus more on rebuilding your credit, rather than trying tricks. Let me give you a link to a education site where you can learn more about rebuilding your credit. Good luck.
4. I usually recommend that people request a copy of their credit report from the three bureaus first. You can get them all from the same website, www.annualcreditreport.com. They are free once a yea. When you get the reports, they will come with instructions for disputing inaccurate information. Keep in mind that creditors are not required to remove accurate information, including accounts that were settled for less than the full balance. They should reflect a zero balance, but can keep negative history for 7 years. The zero balance on a negative account will decrease the effect on your credit score. Good luck!