Our credit reports are extremely valuable and the information they contain can affect our ability to move forward in life. Depending on your credit score and history, you may or may not be able to obtain financing for a home, a vehicle, educational loans, and many more critical things. However, it’s been estimated that 20% of Americans have at least one or more errors on their credit report! If you want to give yourself the best chance at living a successful life, it’s important to regularly check your credit report, and follow the proper procedures for correcting any mistakes that you encounter.
If you notice that something is amiss on your credit report, here are a few tips for you:
- Check all three bureaus
Often, a reporting error will only show up on one bureau’s report, or you may find an entirely different mistake on another bureau’s report. Make sure you check all three credit bureaus- Equifax, Transunion, and Experian.
- Write down the errors in question
The best way to keep track, especially if you encounter multiple errors, is to write down each error and which bureau’s report they appear in. This will help you stay organized, especially when it comes to your disputes.
- Pen a formal letter
Each bureau has a form to fill out, or a letter template that you should use to contact them regarding the errors that you find. This letter is the first official step in opening an investigation of your reports, so don’t hesitate to get started.
- Check in regularly
Sometimes, the credit reporting dispute process can take several weeks or months, so continue to reach out to the bureaus regularly to get an update on your dispute. Be ready to speak with someone, and/or submit more supporting information if needed.
- Hire a consumer rights attorney
When you are not making headway with getting your credit errors corrected, it may be worth reaching out to a qualified consumer rights attorney in your area. A lawyer can speed up the process, and help you be taken seriously, resulting in a clean and accurate credit report sooner!
If you need help tackling your credit report error disputes, or other credit bureau disputes, get in touch with Martin & Bontrager today. We are proud to be your local Los Angeles consumer rights attorneys, and we will go to bat for you!
