When it comes to credit bureau disputes, keep it simple

06.04.09
By John Ulzheimer

We've all heard of KISS. No, not the rock band, but the principle that you should keep it simple and avoid a complex solution when a simple one will suffice. This applies especially when you’re trying to get credit report errors corrected. Sometimes we try to complicate what should actually be a very simple process. And by complicating matters we make it more difficult for the credit reporting agencies to process our disputes as accurately as possible.

Whenever I speak with consumers who ask how they should dispute incorrect credit data, I always tell them the same things: 1) Do it in writing and 2) Do not use 100 words when 10 will work just as well. I also advise them to be very clear and unambiguous in their dispute.

If a credit entry is incorrect, explain why it’s incorrect or what’s incorrect about it. Don’t just say, “This is incorrect.” If it belongs to your son, who has the same name, then say that. If you’ve never had an account with XYZ lender and you don’t recognize the account, then say that. If the account is correct but you just don’t want it there, don’t waste your energy disputing it.

If you’re vague in your dispute, you leave it up to the credit bureaus to interpret WHY you’re disputing it. Be aware that the credit bureaus process thousands of disputes each day and must do so in a timely manner because of various laws. They simply don’t have the time to review each letter and attempt to interpret poorly worded disputes. You stand a much better chance of being successful and avoiding frustration if you take the time to make it clear up front and remove any need for interpretation.  

It’s also important for you to keep in mind that the people who process credit disputes don’t have time to read novels, including your novel. So if you’re planning on sending them a 5-page dispute explaining every little detail as to why you missed certain payments, I encourage you to not to do so. It doesn’t matter why you missed payments; what's important is that you DID miss payments.

We all want our credit reports to be as clean as possible. Better credit means a more convenient and inexpensive lifestyle. So if you’re about to sit down and pen a letter to Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, please take it from someone who used to read your letters: When it comes to credit bureau disputes, try to keep it simple.

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Credit report disputes should be done in writing.