I have several derogatory items on my credit reports. I'm confused as to the correct route to go. If I dispute with the CRA should I include all items at once or send a seperate letter for each item. And I guess I would have to do this for each CRA? Wouldn't it be easier to disute the OC or CA and request to have it deleted from each of the credit reports? I hope I'm getting across what I'm trying to ask. I'm new at this!
Well, wlecome, and we'll all try to help with your situaiton; First, if you have CA accounts, or Charged Off accounts on your reports, then you should "Opt Out", by calling the credit reporting agencies, and request being remove from information sold to third parties. This can help prevent CAs from pulling inquiries or going after your account. Opting out only takes a few minutes, and is very easy. Next, remove all old addresses and out dated personal information. It is best to do this in writing, but you can try a phone call to the CRAs to try and do this. After the above two steps are done, then you can start disputing. It is okay to list several disputes on one request, but keep it simple and sensible. Also, be careful what reason you list for your first disputes, you want to be able to save options for future disputes sgould they come back verified. You will have to dispute with each CRA indiviually, but this can be done on-line, over the phone, or in writing.
Yes, list all old addresses, try to request removing all except your current address. Though, it is unlikely the CRAs will remove any previous address that is less than 3 years old.
Wrong name on my credit report There are several wrong names on my credit report but the current name is also incorrect. There is a line that says "address alert: Input address does not match file address" what does this mean? Also: Just when I think I'm ready, confusion hits. If a CA is listed on my credit report do I dispute it by asking for verification or validation? Thanks
Definitely dispute all names that do not match, or are incorrect! The address notation "input address does not match file address" could be an indicator of incorrect reporting on your reports. If a CA is listed on your credit reports; you request "validation" for the debt directly from the CA. You do not request validation from the credit reporting agency. Verification is requested from an "original creditor", in a similar fashion to a debt validation request from a collection agency.
