I had an account w/Universal/Citi that was IIB. They had some nasty 120+ lates and I disputed it twice, finally wrote them a validation note and the TL became a very nice positive TL on EQ and TU, still had an inaccurate chargeoff statement on EXP. However, EXP seemed to ignore it, because of a dispute statement in the comments that seemed to stick for months. Since EXP was my highest score, I figured I could get it even higher by disputing it and either getting it removed or having it look better. Wow, was that a mistake. I disputed about a week ago online, and yesterday found my nice positive remarks on TU and EQ became bad again. I was puzzled as to why Univ/Citi would update this on my own, and then I realized I had disputed that account w/EXP. My scores dropped 20 points and I'm now applying for mortgages. This could have been my costliest mistake, perhaps so costly I won't be able to afford a mortgage now. Lesson learned: If it's "good enough", just let it go. My compulsion to clean & groom my CR has backfired twice recently. I disputed a balance on a good TL and it got deleted. Aaarrggh!
