Dispute errors on your credit report | USAGov (2024)

Errors on your credit report can affect your credit score and your ability to get a loan or rent a property. Learn about the types of errors and how to correct them.

Know what errors to look for on your credit report

Credit report errors can include the wrong name or address on an account or an incorrect date you made a payment.

Learn from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) about the common types of credit reporting errors.

If you find accounts on your credit report that you did not open, you may have experienced identity theft. Learn how to report it.

Find out how to fix errors on your credit report

If you discover errors on your credit report, gather any supporting documents and include them with a letter disputing the error. Then send it to:

  • The credit reporting agency whose report you are disputing
  • The company that provided the incorrect information

Get detailed instructions from the CFPB on reporting credit report errors.

You can also file a complaint with the CFPB if your written dispute with the credit reporting bureau does not fix the error.

LAST UPDATED: November 7, 2023

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Dispute errors on your credit report | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

Dispute errors on your credit report | USAGov? ›

If you discover errors on your credit report, gather any supporting documents and include them with a letter disputing the error. Then send it to: The credit reporting agency whose report you are disputing. The company that provided the incorrect information.

What happens when you dispute an error on credit report? ›

The credit reporting company you sent the dispute letter to must investigate your dispute, forward copies of relevant documents to the company that provided the information about you, and report the results back to you. A credit reporting company is not required to take action about disputes that are frivolous.

Is it illegal to dispute accurate information on your credit report? ›

“Credit bureaus are required to follow reasonable procedures to ensure that the information they report is accurate. However, mistakes may occur. “You may, on your own, notify a credit bureau in writing that you dispute the accuracy of information in your credit file.

Can I sue for errors on my credit report? ›

You have the right to bring a lawsuit.

For additional help getting a response from the credit reporting company: Speak with a lawyer. You may also qualify for free legal services in your community, if you need additional help and legal advice. If you are a servicemember, you can contact your legal assistance office .

Is there a downside to disputing credit report? ›

Disputing a credit card charge does not hurt your credit. However, if the information on your credit report changes because of the dispute, your score may change accordingly. Credit agencies can also note the dispute by placing the “XB” code on your account, which simply means the dispute is under investigation.

What happens if you falsely dispute? ›

Filing false chargebacks can lead to legal repercussions, as it can be deemed as fraud. If a cardholder knowingly disputes valid transactions to evade payment, they could face criminal charges, fines, or even imprisonment.

How do I remove inaccurate information from my credit report? ›

If you discover errors on your credit report, gather any supporting documents and include them with a letter disputing the error. Then send it to: The credit reporting agency whose report you are disputing. The company that provided the incorrect information.

What is the best reason to put when disputing a collection? ›

If you spot wrong account numbers, mismarked payments, or unfamiliar accounts, dispute away. Include solid evidence like bank statements proving the errors.

What happens if you lose a dispute? ›

If you win, then the provisional credit becomes a full reversal of the charge. If you lose your dispute, then the charge goes back on your credit card bill. You'll be expected to pay it, just like any other transaction. Even if you don't think it's valid or that you should be required to pay it, you are.

What is a 623 dispute letter? ›

A 623 dispute letter is a written communication submitted to a credit bureau, typically by a consumer, to dispute inaccuracies or discrepancies in their credit report.

How often are credit disputes successful? ›

You might not always get a fair outcome when you dispute a chargeback, but you can increase your chances of winning by providing the right documents. Per our experience, if you do everything right, you can expect a 65% to 75% success rate.

Who is responsible for correcting mistakes on your credit report? ›

Both the credit bureau and the business that supplied the information to a credit bureau have to correct information that's wrong or incomplete in your report. And they have to do it for free.

What is the 11 word credit loophole? ›

The truth is that there are no magic words to stop a debt collector from collecting the debt. In case you are wondering what the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors is supposed to be its “Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me immediately.”

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear? ›

In general, most debt will fall off of your credit report after seven years, but some types of debt can stay for up to 10 years or even indefinitely. Certain types of debt or derogatory marks, such as tax liens and paid medical debt collections, will not typically show up on your credit report.

What is a 611 dispute letter? ›

The 611 dispute letter is a follow-up letter when a credit agency replies that they have verified the mentioned information. It requests the agency's verification method of the disputed information and refers to 611 Section of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

What happens if you dispute the accuracy of information in your credit file? ›

Disputing credit report inaccuracies doesn't affect your credit, but some changes made in response to disputes can help your credit scores. The removal of inaccurate late payments, new-credit inquiries or bankruptcies could result in credit score increases.

What should you do if you find an inaccuracy on your credit report? ›

If you discover errors on your credit report, gather any supporting documents and include them with a letter disputing the error. Then send it to: The credit reporting agency whose report you are disputing. The company that provided the incorrect information.

What happens to the merchant when you dispute a charge? ›

When a cardholder disputes a transaction, the bank initiates a chargeback and contacts the merchant providing a reason code for the dispute. The merchant then has the option to either accept the dispute and the associated losses or fight the chargeback by providing evidence that the transaction was valid.

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