Many people unknowingly sabotage their credit report disputes by making preventable errors. In this post, we’ll walk through the five most common mistakes people make when disputing credit report errors and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Disputing the Error Online
Yes, it’s fast and easy to file a dispute through the credit bureaus’ online portals. But here’s the catch: online disputes often limit what you can say, don’t let you submit full supporting documentation, and may waive important rights under federal law.
What to do instead: Write a physical letter and mail it (with proof of delivery) to the credit reporting agencies. This gives you control over the content of your dispute and creates a better paper trail in case you need to escalate later.
Mistake 2: Not Sending the Dispute to the CRA
A common misconception is that you need to contact the creditor (also known as the “furnisher”) who reported the wrong info. While it’s okay to let them know, your legal rights kick in only when you send the dispute to the Credit Reporting Agency. The three most common CRAs are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Why it matters: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the credit bureaus are legally required to investigate when you send them a dispute, not when you contact the creditor directly.
Mistake 3: Leaving Out Key Details
You don’t need to write a novel, but your dispute letter should clearly identify the mistake and provide enough information for someone unfamiliar with your situation to understand the problem.
What to include:
Your full name, address, and date of birth
A copy of your ID (to prove your identity)
A copy of your credit report with the error highlighted
A short but clear explanation of what’s wrong and why it’s wrong
Any supporting documents (bank statements, letters, receipts, court records, etc.)
Mistake 4: Not Saying What You Want
Don’t assume the credit bureau will know how to fix the error. Be direct and tell them what you want them to do. Whether it’s deleting an account, updating a payment status, or correcting a balance, it’s important to be specific.
Sample sentence:
“I am requesting that you delete this account from my credit report because it does not belong to me.”
Being clear about your request improves your chances of getting the outcome you want.
Mistake 5: Not Keeping Records
You’d be surprised how many people send off a dispute and then don’t keep a copy. That’s risky, especially if you need to follow up or take legal action later.
What to keep:
A copy of your dispute letter
All supporting documents included with your letter
Return receipts or tracking information
Any response letters from the credit bureaus
You’re building a paper trail that could be critical down the road if the error isn’t fixed properly.
Final Thoughts: Get it Right the First Time
Disputing a credit report error can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you give yourself the best shot at a successful outcome.
And remember, if the credit bureaus or creditors don’t fix the problem after you’ve properly disputed it, you may have legal options. Consider talking to a consumer rights lawyer who handles Fair Credit Reporting Act cases to learn more.