It is important that all disputes be made with the credit repositories. This will prevent any errors from being "re-reported" and will affect the FICO score accordingly. A written request must be made to receive a copy of your consumer credit report from the repository. Along with the report will be a consumer dispute form, which can be completed and returned for investigation of the disputed information. This procedure will open a "dispute file" with the bureaus for follow-up and better communication. To request a copy of the credit report, contact:

Experian Consumer Assistance	PO Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013-2104	(800) 422-4879
Trans Union Consumer Relations	PO Box 1000, Chester PA 19022	(800) 888-4213
Equifax Credit Information Services	PO Box 105873, Atlanta, GA 30348	(800) 685-1111

NOTE: All requests must include complete name; address for past 2 years; social security number; date of birth; employer; telephone number; and copy of drivers license or utility bill showing your current address!

If you have been denied credit or employment in the past 90 days, send supporting document with your request and your report will be provided at no charge. Otherwise, call the numbers above for current charges (in the neighborhood of $8.00) or to hear more detailed, recorded information.

Under The Fair Credit Reporting Act effective October 1, 1997, a credit bureau has 5 days from the receipt of a written investigation request to contact the appropriate credit grantor about investigating the complaint(s0 and receive a reply back within 30 days of the original repository notification.

Within 5 business days after the completion of the investigation, the repository must send a written report to the borrower with its findings, along with a copy of the revised report if there was any change.

For the protection of the consumer it is highly recommended that consumer disputes are sent via certified mail, "return receipt requested." This way, you know your dispute was received and what date the 30 day clock starts ticking.