There are several reasons to write a letter to remove bad credit from a credit report. There may be inaccurate information, negative credit history or a dispute about debt.
In each of these instances, one letter may not be enough to get the right results. Often a follow-up letter is required and, in some cases, a letter of intent to file a law suit may be needed.
A bad credit report can make life difficult for people if they want to get a credit card, buy a car or even a house or get a good price on insurance.
Many Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies give a higher interest rate to drivers who have bad credit. It’s worth making the effort to remove bad credit listings from a credit report.
A good credit report also makes it easier to get a job or promotions and raises. For those who want to start a business, a good credit report is essential. In any case, it is not a good idea to ignore a bad credit report. Steps should be taken to repair it as soon as possible.
Correct Information
Correct information on a credit report cannot be removed legally, however, the consumer can request an investigation into information that they believe is inaccurate.
This investigation is free and legal. If the consumer requests an investigation, and the credit bureau cannot verify the information, they are obligated to remove it.
Reason The Item Is Being Disputed
A letter to remove bad credit should list each item that is disputed separately with the facts, and the reason the item is being disputed. It needs to be clearly stated that the information should be corrected or removed from the credit report.
The letter should be sent by certified mail and a return receipt requested. This way the consumer has proof that the letter was sent and received on a particular date.
The credit reporting company must investigate disputed claims within 30 days unless the letter and dispute appears to be frivolous.
They are obligated to send your correction to the organization that reported the information. The reporting organization is required to investigate the claim of inaccuracy as soon as they receive the notice.
Results Of The Investigation
They must report their findings to the credit bureau. If the claim of inaccuracy is true, the credit bureau must inform the nationwide credit reporting companies, so the credit report is corrected.
The consumer should also receive the results of the investigation in writing as well as a free copy of their credit report with the changes made.
The credit bureau must also give the corrected information to anyone who received the inaccurate credit report within the last two years including employers, banks, landlords, insurance companies and loan companies.
If the dispute is not found in the consumer’s favor, they can request that a copy of the dispute be added to their credit report and sent to anyone who requests it.
Send Copies Of Documents Providing Proof
Consumers also have the right to send a letter directly to the credit reporting agency or information provider informing them that they dispute their information.
Copies of documents providing proof can be included with the letter. Many information providers have a special address for disputes. They will investigate and, if the information is found to be inaccurate, they won’t report it again.
Some people hire a credit repair company to investigate their credit report, but it can be done by the consumer at no cost. Here is a sample of one kind of letter for requesting a change to the credit report.
Sample Letter To Remove Bad Credit
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip Code
May 24, 2022
Credit Bureau Name
Dispute Investigation Department
Credit Bureau Address
City, State, Zip Code
To Whom It May Concern:
I have reviewed my credit report and am disputing a late payment claim. Attached is the report with the disputed item circled.
The disputed item is an incorrect late payment claim from NAME OF SOURCE. I made the payment on time and attached is a copy of my receipt of payment. I am requesting that this inaccurate information be removed from my credit report.
Enclosed are copies of my payment records for the above NAME OF SOURCE inaccurate late payment and driver’s license as proof of identity. Please re-investigate this late payment claim and remove it from my record.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Printed Name
List of enclosures – all enclosures should be copies NOT originals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of a letter to remove bad credit?
Answer: The purpose of a letter to remove bad credit is to request that a credit bureau or creditor remove inaccurate or outdated information from an individual’s credit report. This can include errors, late payments that have been resolved, or accounts that have been closed.
2. What information should be included in a letter to remove bad credit?
Answer: A letter to remove bad credit should include the individual’s name, contact information, and the specific items on their credit report that they are disputing.
It should also include any relevant documentation that supports their dispute, such as proof of payment or proof that an account was closed. Additionally, the letter should include a clear and concise explanation of why the disputed information is inaccurate.
3. To whom should a letter to remove bad credit be addressed?
Answer: A letter to remove bad credit should be addressed to the credit bureau or creditor that is reporting the disputed information. The letter should include the bureau’s or creditor’s name, address and contact information.
4. What should an individual do if they receive a response that the disputed information has not been removed?
Answer: If an individual receives a response that the disputed information has not been removed, they can dispute it again with the credit bureau or creditor.
If they believe that the credit bureau or creditor is still not taking appropriate action, they can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
5. Are there any laws that protect an individual’s right to dispute and remove bad credit?
Answer: The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives individuals the right to dispute inaccurate information on their credit reports, and credit bureaus are required to investigate and correct any errors.
Additionally, the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provide further protection for consumers by regulating the actions of creditors and debt collectors.
Interesting Finds
