Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Fix Your Credit Report Now

By Glinda Y. Hersaw

You may want to buy a car or a home or borrow money for other purposes. You will not be able to do this if you do not have a good credit rating. In this case, you will want to fix your credit report in order to be able to get a loan or credit to buy the things you need.

Check your credit

Most people still do not appreciate how important checking their credit report regularly is. In addition to concerns about identity theft, there is the very real possibility that your report contains errors.

An account may exist by mistake in your report, such as a person with the same name as yours. If this information stays on your report, it could cause a bad mark on your credit and result in you being unable to get a loan or raise your interest rates. This is a good reason to fix your credit report.

Keep accurate records

Keeping records is essential if you need to fix credit report. If you find information, you have questions about, make a hard copy and mark the suspicious items. Make copies of any proof you have of false charges. This will make it easier to fix credit.

Make a file and start adding everything related to the case into that file. You should also document any correspondence via the phone and print off copies of anything you receive via email regarding the matter. In a nutshell, credit repair can come down to a tough legal battle for which you need to be prepared.

Discuss your problem with the credit bureau

To begin the process and fix your credit report you need to compose a letter to the credit bureau that has false information on your account. Tell them what the problem is and the reason for it. Attach any documents that pertain to the case, including your credit report. Highlight the areas you are questioning in the report. Describe your problem as accurately as you can. Make a copy of the letter and any other papers you are sending. Send it by certified or registered mail to ensure it is received and the time of arrival documented.

You can use some credit bureaus websites to report false information on your credit report. This is not a good idea. You can also do it by phone as opposed to putting your personal information on the internet. The best way to challenge the information on your credit report is by certified mail, as this will give you written proof of your dispute.

Talk to the creditor

You need to talk to your creditors also. Just contacting the credit bureaus may not solve all the problems or fix credit. Talking to your creditors will give you a better chance of success in restoring your credit. They will usually direct you to the billing department, if not they will hook you up with the proper person to discuss your problem with. Try to stay calm when talking to your creditor. In most cases, these problems are not intentional and many times a phone call is all it takes to get it resolved and clear you of any false debt or billing.

Check the Results

Once you've done both steps above you'll have to wait for the results. The credit bureau should provide you with a copy of your credit report for free after the information has been corrected. Make sure you are satisfied. If not, repeat the process. - 15224

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