What to do after a bureau responds
How to read each kind of dispute result and choose a sensible next step, from asking how an item was verified to filing a complaint.
General information, not legal or financial advice. Disputes correct errors; accurate negative information generally stays on a report until its reporting period ends. No result is promised. Check the official sources and your state's rules for your situation.
Kinds of responses
- Deleted: the item was removed. Check your next report to make sure it stays off.
- Updated: some details changed. Compare the new version with your records.
- Verified: the company that reported the item said it is correct, and the bureau kept it.
- Frivolous or irrelevant: the bureau decided it did not have enough information to investigate. It must tell you within 5 business days and say what information it needs.
- Suspicious request or not processed: the bureau thinks the letter may not have come from you.
If an item was verified
A verified result does not always mean the item was checked closely. You have options.
- Ask for the method of verification. The bureau must describe how it checked, including the business it contacted, within 15 days of your request (FCRA Section 611(a)(6)(B)(iii) and (a)(7)).
- Dispute directly with the company that reported the item. Companies that report to the bureaus must investigate many direct disputes too (FCRA Section 623 and Regulation V, 12 CFR 1022.43).
- Send a new dispute only when you have new facts or documents. Repeating the same letter usually gets the same answer.
If the bureau says your request looked suspicious
Bureaus may set aside requests they think came from someone else. Send a new letter yourself. Sign it, include the identification the bureau asks for, and mail it from your own address.
If a deleted item comes back
A deleted item can be put back only if the company that reported it certifies that it is complete and accurate. The bureau must then tell you in writing within 5 business days. You can dispute it again if it is still wrong.
Identity theft
If an item is on your report because of identity theft, you can ask each bureau to block it under FCRA Section 605B. Create an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov, then send it with proof of your identity and a list of the items.
Add your side of the story
If a dispute does not resolve the problem, you can add a brief statement to your file (FCRA Section 611(b)). A bureau can limit it to 100 words. Later reports will include your statement or a summary of it.
Complaints and records
- Submit a complaint to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. The company generally must respond.
- You can also report problems to the FTC and your state attorney general.
- Keep copies of every letter, response, and mailing receipt.
Letters that can help
- Request the method of verification
- Dispute directly with the company that reported the item
- Add a consumer statement of up to 100 words
- Ask a bureau to block information that came from identity theft
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. 1681i (FCRA Section 611): Procedure for disputed accuracy
- 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 (FCRA Section 623): Responsibilities of furnishers
- 12 CFR 1022.43 (Regulation V): Direct disputes
- 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 (FCRA Section 605B): Block of identity theft information
- IdentityTheft.gov: Report identity theft and get a recovery plan
- CFPB: Submit a complaint
- FTC: Disputing errors on your credit reports
- USAGov: Find your state attorney general