I asked this question before but couldn't find if it had been answered. Why have I heard to not use the forms that the CRAs provide to dispute items? Seems like using them may help you to go below radar.
There are some forms that are provided on the different credit repair websites. They basically make you sound like joe blow who has not a clue.
I have had mixed results using these forms. With TU, I claimed that a closed car loan showing multiple lates in fact belonged to my brother. They deleted without question. With EX, I sent in a dispute on their form and they refused to investigate on the grounds that I did not include my SS#. This was a complete joke because it was their supplied form with my pre-printed name and address on it, yet nowhere did it ask for a SS#. I'm pretty sure that they do this intentionally knowing that most people won't follow-up with a second letter. The main reason they tell you not to use these forms is because they ask for personal info that you are not required to supply under the FCRA (such as employer and phone number). Personally, all of my other disputes have been very generic form letters and they have worked really well. Once you get the actual investigation started, the initial letter is pretty much meaningless.
