Repairing Your Own Credit

Many consumers lives are dependent on their ability to maintain a strong credit standing.
Those who have good credit are quick to share that information with
you and those who don’t are usually ashamed.  In fact, poor
credit scores have launched an entire industry of credit repair
companies who are willing to take money to improve your
score.  While credit repair companies may be useful, we
suggest you take a stab at fixing your report all on your
own. 

It is important to understand that no one can legally remove
accurate information from your report.  A credit repair
company takes your money to dispute negative, yet accurate
information-you can do that all on your own.  Lying about an
account that you simply want removed from your credit report will
likely harm your credibility when it comes time to dispute negative
inaccurate information.  Instead of hiring a company, you can
request
an investigation, at no charge, of information on your file
that should either not be reported at all or may be reporting
inaccurately.

By law you are entitled to one free credit report a year from
each of the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax,
Experian and Trans Union, and you are also entitled to a free
credit report after receiving a credit denial.  You must
request a copy of your report from the credit reporting agency
within 60 days of the denial to take advantage of the free
report.  You may also be entitled to one free copy of your
report if you are unemployed and plan to look for new employment
within 60 days.    

Once you have obtained a copy of your reporting make sure to
review the information and mark the items you feel are
inaccurate.  Once you have made a list of this information,
draft a letter to the credit reporting agency, (NOT the creditor
with which you have an account) explaining in detail why the
information is inaccurate and why it should be removed and/or
updated.  Again make sure to only tell the truth in your
explanation and provide supporting documents that may help the
credit reporting agency conduct an investigation into your
request.  We suggest you send the letter certified mail,
“return receipt requested”, so that you have proof it was
received.  Make sure to also save a copy of everything for
your files.  You may need the information down the line if you
get involved in lawsuit. 
Click here for a sample dispute letter.

Upon receipt of your
dispute, the credit reporting agencies must investigate within
30 days.  Once the investigation is complete, the agency must
get back to you with the results.  If an item is changed or
deleted, the credit reporting agency cannot put the information
back on your report unless the information provider verified that
it was in fact accurate and complete.  If an investigation
does not resolve your dispute you are entitled to ask that a
statement be included on your report about the accuracy of the
information.  

After disputing
with the credit reporting agencies, it cannot hurt to write a
letter to the creditors as well.  Again, try to include
supporting documents and any information you may have that will aid
in their investigation and hopefully allow them to change their
reporting.

Lastly, in the event you have accurate negative information on
your report, the only thing that can make it fall of your report is
time.  Most negative information can only remain on your
report for between 7 and 10 years and the older the accounts are
the less the affect your score.  Spend a little time reviewing
your report and you will find you are capable of repairing your
credit all on your own. 

SmithMarco, P.C. has been protecting
consumer rights since 2005.  If you have a credit reporting
questions and would like a free consultation, please contact us today.