Reviewing your credit report is normally pretty mundane task. Usually it involves looking over and rechecking a few items. Or maybe this is the first time you ever gone over your credit report, it may seem kind of boring. But at some point there is a very good chance that you will notice some items that may be a mistake. This can be quite irritating and many people do not know how to go about fixing this problem. In this article we will describe the process of disputing these incorrect items.

You need to keep good records

Once it is time to dispute an item the process will go a lot more smoothly if you have good documentation. Be sure to keep copies of your canceled checks, bank statements, billing statements, and receipts. This way you can provide proof of your claim. Always keep the original and make copies for the parties that need them. Most will accept copies because they understand that it is important for you to retain the original for your records.

Contact the credit bureau

The credit bureaus by law must investigate all legitimate dispute claims that they receive in writing. If you notice that there are errors on your report you should take action as soon as possible. Remember that just because an item is negative does not mean it is inaccurate. It is simply a waste of time to dispute things that you know are correct.

The next step is to write a letter to the credit reporting agencies that includes your name, address, a detailed description of the dispute claim, and copies of any supporting evidence that you have.

Send the letter by certified mail, and have a return receipt requested. This way you know when your letter arrives. The credit bureaus legally have to investigate your claim within 30 days. Just be aware that this is the simply the initial investigation. A full resolution may take much longer, sometimes over three months.

Contact the creditor

Next you will follow the same basic steps you took when contacting the credit bureaus. You compose a letter and send all supporting evidence to the creditor, which is the organization that reported the inaccurate item. The creditor must be able to prove that the item is true. If they cannot it must be corrected or removed entirely from your credit report.

During the investigation process the creditor must also indicate that the item is being disputed. They must continue to report it this way until the issue is resolved.

It's important that you take a good look at your credit report every year. Many people do not look at their credit reports yearly. Some may give it a quick glance, but remember these little mistakes can add up. They can damage your credit and sometimes significantly. If the process of reviewing and disputing these items proves to be too difficult you can always look into professional credit repair. Taking care of inaccurate items will boost your credit score and it is well worth the time you will spend.