When there is an inaccurate item on your credit report, it’s your job as the consumer to provide proof of inaccuracy. You can send the credit bureaus a “Dispute Letter” to have them remove the inaccurate information. With the dispute letter, you should include a copy of your credit report with the item in question circled and your proof that the item is incorrect.

Here’s an example of a dispute letter from myFICO.com:

Date
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code

Complaint Department
Name of Credit Bureau
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to dispute the following information in my file. The items I dispute also are encircled on the attached copy of the report I received.

This item (identify item(s) disputed by name of source, such as creditors or tax court, and identify type of item, such as credit account, judgment, etc.) is (inaccurate or incomplete) because (describe what is inaccurate or incomplete and why). I am requesting that the item be deleted (or request another specific change) to correct the information.

Enclosed are copies of (use this sentence if applicable and describe any enclosed documentation, such as payment records, court documents) supporting my position. Please re-investigate this (these) matter(s) and (delete or correct) the disputed item(s) as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Your name

Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing)

Each credit bureau that the incorrect item is reporting to will need a dispute letter. You can also dispute items online through each credit bureau. Below are the addresses and websites you will send/start your disputes through.

Experian

Experian Disputes

All disputes with Experian are handled online.

Equifax

Equifax Disputes

All disputes with Equifax are handled online.

TransUnion

TransUnion Disputes

TransUnion Disputes
2 Baldwin Place, P.O. BOX 1000
Chester, PA 19022

1-800-916-8800

This should only be used to dispute legitimate errors on your credit report. Sometimes a dispute will slip through the cracks and remove a legitimate debt. However, a legitimate debt will be reported again the following month and find it’s way back on to your credit report.