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Studies suggest that as many as twenty-five percent of all credit reports include errors.  Such errors can lower your FICO scores by as much as fifty points.  When you find an error on your credit report, you want it fixed as soon as possible.

There are some strategies you can follow in order to get your credit report corrected as fast as you can.

·Carefully document the incident.  You will need to provide copies of all relevant receipts and every related document to prove the error.

·Follow up any phone calls in writing.  Written resolution is the only kind that counts.  Anyone can say anything on the telephone; whatever is in writing becomes a matter of record.  Make sure you send copies of every related material.  Consumer protection laws require that you notify the credit bureau in writing about any erroneous information contained in your credit report.

·Don’t fool around following up with the creditor.  For the fastest results, you need to go directly to the credit reporting agencies.  Send a copy of your dispute to the creditor, but concentrate on the credit bureau.

·Keep copious notes about everything you do, who you speak to, what is said, etc.  You should begin a journal from the moment you learn of the mistake on your report.

·Research the executives from each credit-reporting agency.  When you send communication about your dispute, send a copy all of these executives.  You can easily discover who they are on the Internet.

·Send copies of everything you have to the Federal Trade Commission.  The FTC regulates the credit reporting agencies and sending copies to the federal government gets your dispute noticed and acted upon quickly.  You can reach the FTC at 877-FTC-HELP.

·Once the mistake is corrected, request that the credit reporting agencies contact all interested parties about the correction.  This should include all of your creditors and anyone who has recently run a credit inquiry that featured that mistake as part of your report.

·Never threaten anyone with a lawsuit.  Lawsuits are for attorneys.

It is truly amazing how many aspects of your life are influenced by your credit report.  A good credit report can open many doors for you.  A bad credit report can keep you from opportunities you never even knew were available.

For these reasons, it is a good idea to check your credit report regularly.  If you find problems or mistakes, these can be addressed and brought to a resolution.  However, if you don’t know these errors exist, you cannot address them.

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