Your 3-round dispute plan
Fixing your credit is usually a few rounds of letters, not one. Pick your situation, follow the rounds in order, and use the buttons to create each letter in a couple of minutes.
For wrong information, accounts that are not yours, or outdated items on your credit reports.
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Round 1: dispute with all 3 bureaus
Now
Get your 3 free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute each error with every bureau that shows it (FCRA § 611). The bureau usually has 30 days to investigate (45 if you send more documents during that time).
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Round 2: ask how they verified it
When the answer arrives (or after about 35 to 45 days)
If the bureau said "verified" and the error is still there, ask for the method of verification (FCRA § 611(a)(7)). You can also dispute directly with the company that reported it (FCRA § 623).
Method of verification letter (3 bureaus) Direct dispute with the company
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Round 3: complaint and follow-up
If it is still not fixed
File a free complaint with the CFPB, send a follow-up letter and talk with a consumer rights attorney. The FCRA lets you sue if they do not investigate properly.
For debts in collection, calls from collectors, or a collection account on your report.
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Round 1: ask them to validate the debt
Within 30 days of the collector’s first notice
Ask in writing for validation of the debt (FDCPA § 809). If you dispute in writing within that window, the collector must stop collecting until it sends you verification. Also check whether the debt is past the statute of limitations.
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Round 2: stop the calls and clean up your report
If they send no proof or keep calling
You can tell them in writing to stop contacting you (it does not erase the debt). If the collection is on your reports and they did not validate it, dispute it with all 3 bureaus.
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Round 3: if they sue you or break the rules
When it happens
Check whether you were sued, file a complaint with the CFPB and talk with an attorney: the FDCPA lets you sue, and if you win the collector usually pays the fees. If you would rather pay, ask in writing that they remove the account in exchange for payment.
General information, not legal advice. Deadlines can vary with your case and state. Keep copies of everything and send your letters by certified mail.