To ensure that your credit report is accurate, you can periodically request a copy from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and EquiFax. Check that your name, address, phone number, birth date, marital status, and Social Security number are correct. You might find false notations of late payments, or payment information that actually belongs to someone else with a similar name. If you find a mistake, you can contact the creditor directly, send a certified letter to the credit bureau detailing the problem, or both. Be prepared to supply your Social Security number, copies of your birth certificate, or other support documents as needed. According to law, the credit bureau must research your matter and respond within 30 days. If the bureau finds that you're right or they can't verify the material in question, they must remove the item from your report. If they believe the information to be correct, you may need to call the bureau to resolve the matter. Keep in mind that resolving the mistake may take weeks or months and require several letters or calls. Be persistent. After the mistake is corrected, follow-up to see if your credit report now reflects the proper information.
©2006 Crossroads Mobile. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
