Every person that ever used credit or took any type of personal loan created in the process in a financial file about him known as credit report. This is a collection of many different information items about that person like his current address, his source of income, his bill payment history also any legal history like trials, arrests, bankruptcy etc. The reporting agencies maintain and manage this information than sell it in a form of a report to employers, insurance companies and different businesses trying to assess the credit worthiness of that person.
People with good credit report have easier time being approved for loans and credit and most of the time is paying smaller monthly payments for the same loan amount. Today’s media is full with promotions and advertisements of credit repair services that for a fee, suggest removing negative information on the report to increase credit score even if this information is correct. These are usually scams that not only take your money, but do not and will not deliver that promise. Only a conscious effort with a clear plan to pay the outstanding debt is capable of improving the report and increase credit score.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) came about to protect the consumers from being taken advantage off by businesses and organizations, It puts clear demands and restrictions on the reporting companies and credit reporting agencies to make sure the information is accurate, meets the privacy codes and it is obtained and provided in a fair way. New addition that were just introduced puts the same responsibility on the individuals and businesses that report the information to the reporting agencies
According to the FCRA both sides that create the report, the reporting party (Businesses, organizations and individuals) and the reporting agencies are responsible to correct erroneous information and complete missing portion to make the information in each file accurate and complete. They are required by law to take any necessary action to assure that this is the case. In order to increase your credit score, you as a consumer can take advantage of this FCRA law and contact the reporting agency or financial entities involved in the wrong information demanding to correct it.
When you find information on your report that is wrong, in order to correct it and increase your credit score you should contact the reporting agency directly. The best is to do it in writing, give in the letter all the information necessary to identify you and the specific case you are referring to. In simple terms explain why you think the information is not correct and why you demand to change it. Attach copies of any relevant documents that can support your claim. Do not forget to state that you demand the information removed or corrected.
When the problem source seems to be the creditor, than in order to correct it and increase your credit score you should write directly to the creditor and in the letter claim clearly that you do not agree with the information in the report. Again explain why you think the information is not correct or should not be there at all and attach any supporting documentations you have (copies only). By law the creditor has to report to the reporting agency that you sent a disputing letter and if they find you to be right, they should ask the item to be removed from your credit report that will increase your credit score? .
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