Errors on your credit report can negatively impact your credit score, making it harder to get loans, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Fortunately, you have the right to dispute any inaccuracies you find. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the legal right to challenge information on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. This article provides sample letters to help you navigate the credit dispute process effectively.
When disputing a credit report error, it’s crucial to be clear, concise, and provide as much supporting documentation as possible. Keep copies of everything you send, and send your letters via certified mail with return receipt requested, so you have proof that the credit reporting agency received your dispute. Remember to file a separate dispute with *each* credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if the error appears on multiple reports.
15 Sample Letters for Disputing Credit Report Errors
Sample Letter 1: General Dispute of Incorrect Information
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Formal Dispute of Credit Report Information
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the following:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
* [Specific Inaccurate Information, e.g., Incorrect Balance, Late Payment]
This information is inaccurate because [Explain why the information is incorrect. Be specific. For example: "This account is not mine," or "I paid this account in full on [Date], and the report incorrectly shows a balance due."]
I have attached copies of [Supporting Documents, e.g., proof of payment, identity theft report, court documents] to support my claim.
I request that you investigate this matter and correct the inaccurate information as soon as possible. Please send me a copy of the corrected credit report once the investigation is complete.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Dispute of an Account Not Belonging to You (Identity Theft)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Fraudulent Account - Identity Theft
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute fraudulent information on my credit report due to identity theft. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the following account which is not mine:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
I have attached a copy of my identity theft report filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as a copy of my driver's license for verification.
I request that you immediately remove this fraudulent account from my credit report and provide me with a copy of the corrected report. I also request that you place a fraud alert on my credit report.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Dispute of Late Payment After Paying on Time
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Late Payment Reporting
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute an incorrectly reported late payment on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing a late payment reported by:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
* [Date of Alleged Late Payment]
I made my payment on time on [Date]. I am attaching a copy of [Proof of Payment - e.g., bank statement, canceled check, online payment confirmation] as proof of timely payment.
Please investigate this matter and remove the inaccurate late payment from my credit report. I request a copy of the updated report once the correction is made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Disputing an Incorrect Account Balance
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Account Balance
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute an inaccurate account balance on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the balance reported by:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
* Incorrect Balance: $[Amount Reported]
* Correct Balance: $[Amount You Believe Is Correct]
The balance reported is incorrect because [Explain why the balance is incorrect. For example: "I made a payment that was not reflected," or "I believe I was overcharged on this account"]. I have attached a copy of [Supporting Documents - e.g., payment history, billing statement] to support my claim.
Please investigate this matter and correct the inaccurate balance on my credit report. I request a copy of the updated report once the correction is made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Disputing a Closed Account Shown as Open
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Account Status - Closed Account
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the incorrect status of a closed account on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the status of the following account:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
* The account is incorrectly shown as "Open." It should be listed as "Closed."
This account was closed on [Date]. I have attached a copy of [Account Closure Confirmation or other supporting documentation].
Please update the status of this account to "Closed" on my credit report. I request a copy of the updated report once the correction is made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Disputing an Account Included in Bankruptcy
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Account Discharged in Bankruptcy
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the incorrect reporting of an account that was discharged in bankruptcy on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the following account:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
This account was included in my bankruptcy, case number [Bankruptcy Case Number], which was discharged on [Date of Discharge] in the [Court Name and Location]. I have attached a copy of my bankruptcy discharge papers.
This account should be reported as discharged in bankruptcy and should not negatively affect my credit score. Please update my credit report to reflect the discharge and remove any incorrect information regarding this account.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Follow-Up Letter (If No Response Within 30 Days)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Follow-Up: Dispute of Credit Report Information - [Account Name and Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to follow up on my previous dispute letter, which I sent on [Date of Original Letter]. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
In that letter, I disputed the following inaccurate information:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
* [Specific Inaccurate Information]
To date, I have not received a response regarding my dispute. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are required to investigate and respond to my dispute within 30 days.
I request that you immediately investigate this matter and correct the inaccurate information as soon as possible. Please send me a copy of the corrected credit report once the investigation is complete.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Disputing a Debt Owed By Someone Else (Mistaken Identity)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Debt - Mistaken Identity
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute a debt that appears on my credit report that I do not owe. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the following account:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
This debt is not mine. I believe it belongs to someone with a similar name, or it is a case of mistaken identity. I have never had an account with this creditor. I am providing a copy of my driver's license and social security card (redacted) to assist in verifying my identity.
Please investigate this matter and remove this debt from my credit report immediately. I request a copy of the updated report once the correction is made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Requesting Validation of a Debt
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Debt Validation
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request validation of the following debt that appears on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
I am requesting that you provide me with the following information to validate this debt:
* A copy of the original signed contract or agreement that created the debt.
* Documentation showing that you have the legal right to collect this debt.
* An itemized statement of the debt, including all charges and fees.
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), you are required to provide this information upon request. If you cannot provide this documentation, I request that you remove this debt from my credit report.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Disputing a Foreclosure or Repossession (Incorrect Information)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Foreclosure/Repossession Information
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute inaccurate information regarding a foreclosure or repossession on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the following:
* [Name of Creditor or Account]
* [Account Number]
* [Specific Inaccurate Information - e.g., Incorrect Date, Incorrect Amount Owed]
The information reported is inaccurate because [Explain why the information is incorrect. For example, "The foreclosure date is incorrect," or "The amount owed is incorrect because I made payments."] I have attached copies of [Supporting Documents - e.g., mortgage statements, payment records, foreclosure paperwork] to support my claim.
Please investigate this matter and correct the inaccurate information on my credit report. I request a copy of the updated report once the correction is made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Disputing Public Record Information (e.g., Tax Lien, Judgment)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Inaccurate Public Record Information
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute inaccurate information regarding a public record on my credit report. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
Specifically, I am disputing the following:
* [Type of Public Record - e.g., Tax Lien, Judgment]
* [Case Number or Identifying Information]
* [Specific Inaccurate Information - e.g., Incorrect Date, Incorrect Amount]
The information reported is inaccurate because [Explain why the information is incorrect. For example, "The lien was released on [Date]," or "The judgment was vacated on [Date]."]. I have attached a copy of [Supporting Documents - e.g., Lien Release, Court Order] to support my claim.
Please investigate this matter and correct the inaccurate information on my credit report. I request a copy of the updated report once the correction is made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Disputing Multiple Errors on the Same Account
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Multiple Inaccuracies on Account [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute multiple inaccuracies on my credit report concerning account number [Account Number]. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number]. The account is with [Name of Creditor].
The following information is inaccurate:
* Incorrect Balance: The current balance is listed as $[Incorrect Balance], when the correct balance is $[Correct Balance].
* Incorrect Payment History: A late payment is reported for [Date], but I made the payment on time.
* Incorrect Account Status: The account is listed as "Open," but it was closed on [Date].
I have attached supporting documentation, including [List Documents, e.g., payment confirmations, account statements, closure notice] to support my claims.
Please investigate these matters thoroughly and correct all inaccurate information on my credit report. I request a copy of the updated report once the corrections are made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Disputing Information After a Previous Dispute Was Ignored
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Second Dispute: Failure to Investigate Inaccurate Information - [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to reiterate my dispute regarding inaccurate information on my credit report, as my previous dispute was not properly investigated. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number]. My original dispute letter was sent on [Date of Original Letter].
The inaccurate information pertains to account number [Account Number] with [Name of Creditor]. The specific inaccuracies are:
* [List Inaccuracies - e.g., Incorrect Balance, Late Payment, etc.]
Despite my previous attempt to resolve this issue, the inaccurate information persists on my credit report. I am again attaching the same supporting documentation I provided previously [List Documents Attached].
I demand that you conduct a thorough investigation into these inaccuracies and correct my credit report immediately. Failure to do so will leave me with no option but to pursue further legal remedies. I request a copy of the updated report once the corrections are made.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14: Disputing Debt Resulting from a Natural Disaster
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Debt - Impact of Natural Disaster
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute a debt that appears on my credit report, the circumstances of which were significantly impacted by the [Name of Natural Disaster] on [Date of Natural Disaster]. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
The debt in question is with [Name of Creditor], account number [Account Number].
Due to the devastation caused by the [Name of Natural Disaster], I experienced significant financial hardship, including [Briefly Explain Hardship - e.g., job loss, property damage]. This hardship directly impacted my ability to meet my financial obligations. I am attaching documentation to support my claim [List Documents Attached - e.g., insurance claims, FEMA documentation, unemployment records].
I request that you consider these extenuating circumstances when reviewing this debt. I am also requesting that you flag this account as being affected by a natural disaster, which may provide some leniency. Please investigate this matter and update my credit report accordingly. I request a copy of the updated report once the review is complete.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 15: Not Mine and Never Been a Customer
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Reporting Agency Name]
[Credit Reporting Agency Address]
[Credit Reporting Agency City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Account Does Not Belong to Me - Never Been a Customer
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute an account that is appearing on my credit report that I have never opened and do not recognize. My credit report ID is [Your Credit Report ID Number].
The account is listed under [Creditor Name], account number [Account Number].
I have never been a customer of [Creditor Name] and I have never authorized an account under my name with this entity. I believe this is either a case of identity theft or a clerical error. I am attaching copies of my driver's license and social security card to verify my identity (redacted for security).
I request that you immediately remove this fraudulent account from my credit report. I also request that you place a fraud alert on my account to prevent future unauthorized accounts from being opened in my name. Please provide me with a copy of the corrected credit report and confirmation that a fraud alert has been placed.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Disputing credit report errors can be a complex process, but these sample letters provide a strong foundation for addressing common issues. Remember to tailor each letter to your specific situation, include supporting documentation, and track all correspondence. By proactively monitoring your credit report and addressing inaccuracies, you can protect your credit score and financial well-being.