So you disputed some incorrect information on your credit report, but the credit bureau came back and said they weren’t going to make the changes you asked for. Ugh! That’s so frustrating when you know the information is wrong but feel like the credit bureaus aren’t listening.
You definitely have options if you want to continue disputing those credit report errors though. Let’s break down the steps you can take if you don’t agree with the dispute results.
Review The Credit Bureau’s Response Carefully
Before doing anything else, take some time to closely review the response you got back from the credit bureau regarding your dispute. More often than not, they’ll include details on why they decided to verify the information as accurate and maybe even provide documentation from the company that reported it.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read through the credit bureau’s response letter slowly and carefully, multiple times if needed. Don’t skim or make assumptions. |
| 2 | Try to understand their reasoning for considering the account accurate and verified. Look for specifics. |
| 3 | Review any evidence or documentation they included from the source, like a copy of a bill or application. |
| 4 | Determine if you think their decision was justified or if you still disagree. |
Getting really clear on why the dispute results went the way they did will help you figure out your next actions.
For example, let’s say you disputed a late payment that you thought was reported during a time you had an active deferment in place. But the credit bureau came back saying they verified the delinquency with the original creditor.
- When you review their response, you see a copy of a statement from that month showing you did technically miss the payment, even though you could have sworn you had an approved deferment.
- In this case, you may need to dig back into your records and double check on the status of that deferment.
- Or let’s say you disputed an account with Bank of America that isn’t yours.
- The credit bureau verified it and in their response included a copy of a application for a Bank of America credit card from 8 years with your name and old address on it.
- Now it’s clear this item really does belong to you, even if you didn’t remember ever having that credit card.
Hopefully, this gives you an idea of why carefully dissecting the response is so important! It can shine a light on where the breakdown happened or provide critical missing details.
Contact The Credit Bureau To Discuss The Results
If after reviewing the decision you still wholeheartedly disagree with the results of your dispute, it’s a good idea to contact the credit bureau directly.
| Method | How To |
|---|---|
| Phone | Call the dispute department directly and ask for a case manager who can review your dispute. Having the reference number handy is helpful. |
| Send a formal email to the dispute department referencing your case. Provide as many specifics as possible about why their decision seems inaccurate. | |
| Online Message | Some credit bureaus have dispute portals that allow you to communicate directly with your case manager. |
The goal here is to communicate clearly exactly what you disagree with when it comes to how they handled your dispute. Some things to cover:
- Where you believe they made a factual error: Point to any inaccuracies in how they reported the status of the account or specifics about the dispute reasoning.
- Why their verification seems questionable: Explain if you disagree with the verification documentation provided or their reasoning doesn’t match up with your records.
- Additional evidence you can provide: Supply any supportive documents/info that counter what they have on file about the dispute.
The credit bureaus are required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to have reasonable procedures in place for correcting inaccurate information when alerted by consumers. By starting a dialogue with them directly, you’re giving them another chance to evaluate based on the merits of your dispute specifically.
And if it does turn out there was simply a misunderstanding on your end about the status of that account, they can provide more clarity into what’s being reported. Their job is to report information accurately and verify correctness when asked.
File A New Dispute With Additional Evidence
If going the contact route doesn’t lead to a successful resolution and you have additional evidence to provide, you can kickstart the formal dispute process once again. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the credit bureaus have to investigate every time they receive a new dispute notice from a consumer.
| Type of New Evidence | Example |
|---|---|
| Payment Records | Bank statements, canceled checks, or other confirmation showing payments made that contradict the delinquency status being reported. |
| Applications/Approvals | Application paperwork that proves the account in question doesn’t actually belong to you and you never opened it. |
| Court Documents | If an account is in collections but you have documentation that the debt was dismissed via court proceedings. |
| Account Closing Paperwork | If an account was closed but is still showing open on your reports. |
| Updated Account Information | If you also disputed directly with the source they may have failed to properly update the status to the bureaus after making corrections. |
Whenever you have documentation that contradicts what’s being reported or provides additional context, it’s worth resubmitting a new dispute citing that evidence.
Understandably the back and forth here can feel exhausting. Just remember that credit reporting and scoring play a huge role in our financial lives. It’s worth fighting until the inaccurate items get removed.
Submit A Statement of Dispute
Can’t definitively prove the information is inaccurate but want to provide context for anyone pulling your report? Ask the credit bureaus to include a statement of dispute.
This note (around 100 words) will be included with your credit report clarifying your position related to the disputed item. You basically explain in your own words that you don’t agree with the information as reported and why.
Including one of these statements isn’t guaranteed to change a lender’s decision if the actual information still shows a negative mark. But it provides additional background and explanation that may be helpful context.
If going through the dispute process doesn’t ultimately lead to removal, it’s absolutely still worth including the statement for clarity. At least anyone reviewing your report is aware you flag discrepancies related to how certain accounts are being reported.
Consult With A Consumer Credit Attorney
If you have solid evidence proving the information on your report is inaccurate but remain stuck in dispute limbo, you may need to lawyer up. Consulting with a consumer credit attorney provides expert guidance when you need it most.
Here are just a couple situations where enlisting legal help could be your best course of action:
- You have definitive evidence the item(s) you disputed should be removed but the credit bureaus remain uncooperative. An attorney can outline whether legal action is recommended and your chances if pursuing litigation.
- Complex situations involving potential identity theft or credit fraud. Unraveling these types of disputes often requires legal expertise. An attorney experienced in credit crimes can provide assistance with filing police reports, submitting identity theft claims, and ensuring the inaccuracies get fully removed.
- Violations of consumer protection laws. If you suspect the credit bureaus are violating provisions covered under legislation like the Fair Credit Reporting Act, an attorney can review the specifics to determine if any regulatory organizations or oversight agencies should become involved.
If a lawyer takes on your credit dispute case they’ll handle collecting evidence, contacting the bureaus disputes departments on your behalf or when necessary filing a lawsuit against them. Having this subject matter expertise and legal leverage means the credit bureaus will prioritize resolving the issue.
Lawyers aren’t cheap so assess if going this route makes sense financially for your personal situation. Start by reviewing options for consumer credit attorneys in your state so you fully understand what legal services related to credit disputes entail along with average costs.
Don’t Give Up, Stay Diligent!
No matter what path above you start down next if you disagree with dispute results, remember—persistence is key when it comes to righting credit report wrongs!
Arm yourself with as much substantiating evidence around the inaccuracy as possible and keep diligently calling out where the credit bureau made mistakes. They might hope you’ll eventually give up, but don’t let that happen!
Set reminders to check your credit reports regularly so you can stay on top of inaccuracies being added. Dispute items repeatedly if needed until resolved.
And consider setting up credit monitoring or identity theft protection services so you’re alerted anytime something wonky appears on your reports.
Dealing with unfair or simply false information dragging down your credit can promoted feelings of helpless. But cultivating diligence and trusting your intuition will serve you well to fight back victoriously. You got this!
