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EZ Dispute Checklist (Print and Check)

□ Opt out of Prescreen offers @ www.optoutprescreen.com

□ Identify items you wish to dispute and dispute them using the dispute letters provided as a template & include your partial account numbers as they appear on your credit report

□ Fill out dispute letter with your personal information

□ Print out your Dispute Letters and review to ensure they reflect what and why you’re disputing. Sign letters going to credit bureaus and original creditors, do not sign letters going to collection agencies.(Remember to adjust the follow-up dispute later on by removing any accounts that are corrected from the first dispute)

□ Prepare all of the envelopes at one time for first time disputes to credit bureaus, collectors and/or creditors

□ Make a copy of all the letters you send and keep them in a file

□ Mark your calendar 35 days from the date you send the dispute, reminding yourself to send the follow-up dispute letter

□ For items reported as a collection, foreclosure or short sale send the disputes with return receipt requested to ensure proof of delivery

□ Save the dispute letters on your computer as WORD DOC's for fast and easy adjustment and use later on

Don't worry about the results, by sending the dispute you have something to gain and NOTHING to lose!

Tips: Pick up certified or first priority mail forms at the post office prior to getting started, this will save a ton of time in the long run.

Opting out first is optional; some enjoy the offers they receive (junk mail) in order to gauge what mailing list they are on as their credit improves– prime or subprime

http://www.optoutprescreen.com/

(Just a snippet of the goodies from my eCourse: How to Soar Your Credit Scores in 9 Simple Steps!)

How to Write a Dispute Letter

A properly written dispute letter will make the difference between a deletion, a stall letter, or be-ing ignored completely. Here are my tips to ensuring your dispute letter gets results!

Step 1. Do not copy any dispute letter template you’ve pulled off the Internet or in a book. You will not do this for 2 reasons:

a. Credit Bureaus have a system called Optical Character Recognition that will scan your letter and compares it to other letters the bureaus have gotten in the past. This will in-crease your odds of receiving a stall letter.

b. You want to sound as authentic as possible. Stating laws and demanding ultimatums is not the trick to a deletion. Sounding like a real person who is concerned about having in-accuracies removed from their credit reports, and creating a sense of urgency is. Person-alization is the key.

Step 2. Do not use a form provided by the credit bureaus. This usually comes with a copy of your credit report. These forms aren’t very clear, and if you use online credit bureau forms, you risk the chance of not being able to go back to the bureaus to re-dispute and/or ask for further information of their investigation if they verify the account as accurate. Don’t risk that. Write the letter yourself.

Step 3. You can handwrite or type your letter, I prefer typed letters myself; however I will use handwritten letters if I’m on my 3rd or 4th round of disputes to the credit bureaus to ensure it by-passes eOSCAR’s system. You’ll include your name and address in the upper left hand corner of the page. Some include their telephone and social security number on the letter as well, that is optional, I advise to only put the last 4 digits versus the entire number for security reasons. If you do decide to list it, place it after your city/state on the letter or at the bottom where you have printed your name after your signature (see example below).

Step 4. Two spaces below your mailing information, write the credit bureau’s name and ad-dress.

Step 5. Two spaces below the credit bureau’s information, you will place the Date that your let-ter was generated.

Step 6a. If you are disputing ONE item, include the item you are disputing and its corresponding account number, if applicable. If you are doing multiple items, see the example below. I recom-mend not disputing more than 5-6 items per letter. If an item has more than one error, you have the option of listing one error per letter, some of the errors per letter, or all of the errors per letter. Disputing one error per item allows you to have another reason to dispute again if the item is not deleted on your initial letter.

Step 6b. If you are disputing more than one item, you will include your salutation tow spaces be-low the bureau’s address. I personally recommend: To Whom It May Concern, or Dear Credit Bureaus’

Step 7. State what is factually wrong. Clearly describe what is reporting in error and if it’s in-complete, untimely (past reporting limitations), or unverifiable.

a. The first letter should be polite and courteous. 1. Follow up letters can and should be more demanding.

b. Be brief, to the point, and keep it simple, most disputes are handled electronically. The ones that are handled by a representative will only be reviewed up to a maximum of 4 minutes. Don’t waste your time writing a 2 page dispute letter.

c. Have a sense of urgency. You need to communicate how this error is harming/affecting you (damage to your credit, credit denials, increased interest rates, etc).

d. State what you want – Deletion or Updatee. If you’ve had prior disputes on the same items in the past, feel free to add a CC: at the

bottom of your letter to the Better Business Bureau, the attorney general’s office or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This is for follow up letters, not your first dispute letter.

Step 8. Two lines below the body of your letter, you should close with a "Sincerely" or "Thank you" and your signature. Below your signature, you will print your name as well.

Step 9. You have the option of attaching a copy of the page of your credit report that lists the item you’re disputing and attaching it to your dispute letter. It’s optional. BUT, make sure you keep a copy of the credit report.

Step 10. Attach copies of any paperwork or supporting documentation that proves the item(s) is in fact reporting in error. This will definitely speed up the process.

Step 11. Attach a copy of your driver’s license, social security card, utility bill or some other doc-ument that verifies your current address and social security number. You’ll need 2 forms of identification.

Step 12. Send your letter first priority or certified mail. No need for return receipt on the first let-ter, you are able to track your letter online to see when the letter was delivered to the bureaus for your record.

Step 13. Keep meticulous notes of everything you send to the credit bureaus using a log or tracking form. You want to have a paper copy of your credit report stapled to a paper copy of your dispute letter. You will want to write the date the letter was received by the bureaus on a copy of your dispute letter.

NOTE:

Most items are not deleted on the first dispute letter. Be prepared to write follow up let-ters. Write them quickly and effectively.

Don’t bother making futile threats to the bureaus. It’s a complete waste of time, unless you truly plan on suing. Be professional, state your dispute clearly and specifically.

Credit Bureau Mailing Addresses:ExperianP.O. Box 4000Allen, TX 75013

Equifax Information Services LLCP.O. Box 740256Atlanta, GA 30374

TransUnion LLCConsumer Dispute CenterP.O. Box 2000Chester, PA 19022

ADDRESS REMOVAL LETTER - 1 January 1, 2006 John Doe (Consumer)123 Main Street Anywhere, AB 12345-0000

EquifaxPO Box 105873Atlanta, GA 30348

TransUnion2 Baldwin PlacePO Box 1000Chester, PA 19022

ExperianPO Box 2002Allen, TX 75013

Dear Credit Bureau: Enclosed please find proof of my residence address, please remove the address of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, as shown on my credit report, as it is inaccurate and I am concerned that this inaccurate address may create an opportunity for identity theft. Also, please note, as stated on my driver’s license, my correct name is John Doe. All other variances are inaccurate. Please remove all other variances of my name from my credit report. My employer is AAA Company, 123 Any St, Anytown, AB 55555. Please remove all references to any other inaccurate employers from my credit report. Sincerely, John Doe Enclosure

If there is NO inaccuracy, or if it was a P.O. Box, substitute the underlined phrase with this: “as I have not lived there (or had that PO Box #) for quite some time, and since many other people have been using that address (PO Box#) in the years since I was there, I am concerned that the reporting of this address on my current report may create an opportunity for identity theft"(you can add this if appropriate "as I have a fairly common name").

Also, include a copy of a utility bill and a copy of your driver’s license with your current address on it.

DISPUTE LETTER TO CREDIT BUREAUS - 2

Your Name 123 Your Street Address Your City, ST 01234

CRA NameAddressCity,State Zipcode RE:! 15 U.S. Code § 1681g - Disclosures to consumers

Date Dear Credit Reporting Agency, I am writing to exercise my right to request verifiable proof of the negative events you have listed within my credit file. The 15 U.S. Code § 1681g - Disclosures to consumers requires CRA’s to disclose the sources of information regarding the negative events that are being reported by your agency upon request by the consumer. THIS IS NOT A DISPUTE. (List Accounts) I expect that you will provide verifiable proof as required under the 15 U.S. Code § 1681g - Disclosures to consumers within 30 days. If you are unable to provide such proof within that timeframe, I expect these negative events to be removed. ! Please communicate your intentions in writing.! Sincerely,

NameLast 4 ssn: D.O.B.

DISPUTE LETTER TO CREDIT BUREAUS – 3


CRA NameAddressCity,State Zipcode

IDatel

RE: DELETIONS PROM CREDIT REPORT

To Whom It May Concern:

I received a copy of my credit report and am disputing some items that need to be deleted. I have highlighted and numbered these disputed items on the attached copy. The reasons these items should be deleted are indicated below:

Item # Reason for Deletion

Item # Reason for Deletion

According to the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act 611(a) 115 USC 168 Ii(a)), these disputed items must be investigated or deleted from my credit record within 30 days. In the interim, these items should be noted on my credit record as "in dispute." I am also requesting the names, addresses and telephone numbers of alk individuals you can contact during your investigation so that I may follow up.

Please notify me that the above items have been deleted pursuant to 61 1 (a)(6) 5 USC 1681j (a) I am also requesting an updated copy of my credit report, which should be sent to the address listed below. According to the provisions of 612 L 15 USC 1681jl, there should be no charge for this report.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at (305) 555-1111.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bruce Williams Social Security # D.O.B.

REMOVING INQUIRIES (TO CREDITOR) - 4


Creditor’s NameAddressCity,State Zipcode

Re: Unauthorized Credit Inquiry Dear American Express, I recently received a copy of my Experian credit report. The credit report showed a credit inquiry by your company that I do not recall authorizing. I understand that you shouldn't be allowed to put an inquiry on my file unless I have authorized it.

Please have this inquiry removed from my credit file because it is making it very difficult for me to acquire credit. I have sent this letter certified mail because I need your prompt response to this issue.

Please be so kind as to forward me documentation that you have had the unauthorized inquiry removed. If you find that I am remiss, and you did have my authorization to inquire into my credit report and then please send me proof of this. Thank you in advance, John Doe

Follow-up to Dispute Letter (If NO RESPONSE in 45 days) - 5

Your Name 123 Your Street Address Your City, ST 01234 Big Credit Bureau Their Street Address Some City, ST 56789 Date

RE: Dispute Letter of (Date of original dispute letter)

Dear Credit Bureau, This letter is formal notice that you have failed to respond in a timely manner to my dispute letter of Date of Dispute letter, deposited by registered mail with the Post Office on that date.

As you are well aware, federal law requires you to respond within 30 days, yet you have failed to respond. Failure to comply with these federal regulations by credit reporting agencies are investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (see 15 USC 41, et seq.). I am maintaining a careful record of my communications with you on this matter; for the purpose of filing a complaint with the FTC should you continue in your non-compliance. I further remind you that, as in Wenger v. Trans Union Corp., No. 95-6445 (C.D.Cal. Nov. 14, 1995), you may be liable for your willful non-compliance.

Be aware that I am making a final goodwill attempt to have you clear up this matter. You have 15 days to cure.

For your benefit, and as a gesture of my goodwill, I will restate my dispute. The following information needs to be verified and deleted from the report as soon as possible:

CREDITOR AGENCY, acct. 123-34567-ABC

The listed item is completely inaccurate and incomplete, and is a very serious error in reporting. Please delete this misleading information, and supply a corrected credit profile to all creditors who have received a copy within the last 6 months, or the last 2 years for employment purposes.

Additionally, please provide the name, address, and telephone number of each credit grantor or other subscriber.

Under federal law, you had 30 days to complete your re-investigation, yet you have failed to respond. Do not delay further.

Be advised that the description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the information is hereby requested as well, to be provided within 15 days of the completion of your re-investigation.

Sincerely,

your signature Your Name SSN# 123-45-6789 (optional)

METHOD OF INVESTIGATION - 6

This letter should be sent to the credit bureaus if they verify disputed items as accurate.Credit bureaus will not take the time or trouble to send you this information unless you ask, but it is your right to know it under the FCRA. Many times you can use this information as ammunition for your credit disputes.

Your Name 123 Your Street Address Your City, ST 01234 Big Credit Bureau Their Street Address Some City, ST 56789

Certified Mail Return Receipt Number:XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

RE: Formal Request for Verification Procedures FCRA § 611. Procedure in case of disputed accuracy [15 U.S.C. § 1681i]


I received notice that you verified certain tradelines on my credit report from the following companies:

• xxxxxxx – Account # - xxxxxxxxx• xxxxxxx – Account # - xxxxxxxxx• xxxxxxx – Account # - xxxxxxxxx• xxxxxxx – Account # - xxxxxxxxx

Please tell me how you did that. Who did you talk to at original credit grantor? Did you write them? Was a Universal Data Form used or was this through electronic automatic dispute verification? Did you contact them at the same address/phone number listed on my report? The FCRA says that you have to tell me this in 15 days if I ask. Don't provide the generic response of how you use various methods. Tell me exactly how you verified them and include the full name of person you spoke with.

Also, what is the date of the commencement of delinquency? The original creditor is required to give that to you. So when is that? And when will this tradeline be past the reporting timeframe? Don't provide the generic "7 years" response, I am aware of that. Tell me specifically when these accounts allegedly became delinquent, and specifically when they will be removed. Some of these accounts are reporting as charged off as well as being included in bankruptcy. So, which is it?

Supply your response within 15 days or delete the tradelines.

Regards,

REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN CREDIT FILES – 7

CRA NameAddressCity,State Zipcode RE:! 15 U.S. Code § 1681g - Disclosures to consumers

Date Dear Credit Reporting Agency, I am writing to exercise my right to request verifiable proof of the negative events you have listed within my credit file. The 15 U.S. Code § 1681g - Disclosures to consumers requires CRA’s to disclose the sources of information regarding the negative events that are being reported by your agency upon re-quest by the consumer. THIS IS NOT A DISPUTE. (List Accounts) I expect that you will provide verifiable proof as required under the 15 U.S. Code § 1681g - Disclosures to consumers within 30 days. If you are unable to provide such proof within that timeframe, I expect these negative events to be removed. Please communicate your intentions in writing. Sincerely,NameLast 4 ssn: D.O.B.

Sample Late Payment without Records of Proof Letter – 8

[Your Name][Your Address][City, State Zip]

[Credit Bureau][Credit Bureau Address][City, State Zip]

Date: [DATE]

RE: [Creditor Name and Account number]

This letter is to inform you that the above creditor is reporting me as being late in [MY/OUR] payments and is an error.

On this account [I/WE] have never been late with a payment. I am requesting a copy of this proof, and their procedure for payment process. If they fail to provide this proof, then I expect to see this error removed and corrected and restore my true credit rating. This reporting error is negatively affecting my credit rating.

As you are aware, failure to comply with federal regulations by credit reporting agencies are in serious violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and may be investigated by the FTC.

Please correct this error as soon as possible. Please send me notification when it has been corrected since it is negatively affecting my credit.

Thank you for your help,

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]

FRIVOLOUS LETTER RESPONSE - 9


Big Credit Bureau Their Street Address Some City, ST 56789


I am in receipt of your letter stating that my dispute of items in my credit report was “irrelevant and frivolous.” I am upset that your credit reporting agency would try such a blatant stall tactic. I am demanding that you reinvestigate my credit file under the Fair Credit Reporting Act Section 611 [15 USC 1681I]. You have no way to ascertain the legitimacy of my action without investigating the items in question.

Enclosed is a copy of my original letter and credit report with the disputed items highlighted. Additional stall tactics on the part of your organization will be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.

If you have any questions, please contact me at the address listed below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Bruce SmithAddressCity, State, Zip Social Security #

Notice of Intent to File a Complaint - 10


Big Credit Bureau Their Street Address Some City, ST 56789 Date

RE: Dispute Letter of Date, Follow-up Letter of Date

NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE COMPLAINT

Credit Bureau,

This letter shall serve as formal Notice of my Intent to file a Complaint with the FTC, due to your blatant disregard of the law.

As indicated by the attached copies of letters and mailing receipts, you have been delivered by registered mail both a dispute letter, dated Date, as well as a follow-up letter, dated Date. As of this moment, you have not done your duty mandated under the law. Your inaction in this matter is inexcusable, and your disregard for the law is contemptible. Rest assured, I will hold you to account.

As you are well aware, federal law requires you to respond within 30 days, yet you have failed to respond. Failure to comply with these federal regulations by credit reporting agencies are investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (see 15 USC 41, et seq.). I am maintaining a careful record of my communications with you on this matter, for the purpose of filing a complaint with the FTC should you continue in your non-compliance. I further remind you that, as in Wenger v. Trans Union Corp., No. 95-6445 (C.D.Cal. Nov. 14, 1995), you may be liable for your willful non-compliance.

For the record, the following information is being erroneously included on my credit report, as I have advised you on two separate occasions, more than 75 days and again 40 days ago:

CREDITOR AGENCY, acct. 123-34567-ABC

If you do not immediately remove this inaccurate and incomplete information, I will file a formal complaint with the FTC. Furthermore, I intend to seek redress in civil action, for recovery of damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees, should you continue in your deliberate obstruction of the law. For this purpose, I am carefully documenting these events, including the lack of response REQUIRED under law from you.

You are further directed to supply a corrected credit profile to all creditors who have received a copy within the last 6 months, or the last 2 years for employment purposes.

Additionally, please provide the name, address, and telephone number of each credit grantor or other subscriber.

Under federal law, you had 30 days to complete your re-investigation, yet you have failed to respond. Your continued delays are inexcusable.

Be advised that the description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the information is hereby requested as well, to be provided within 15 days of the completion of your re-investigation.

Sincerely,

your signature Your Name SSN# 123-45-6789 (optional)

Cease & Desist Letter – To Stop Collection Agency Calls - 11

Via Certified Mail

[debt collector][debt collector's address]

Re: [your name and debt collector's account number(s) for your debt(s)]

Dear [debt collector]:

Pursuant to my rights under the state and federal fair debt collection laws, I hereby request that you immediately cease all written and oral contact with me, and my family and friends, concerning any and all alleged debts you contend I owe. See California Civil Code § 1788.17 (requiring compliance with 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c) by both professional debt collectors and creditors).

My employer prohibits me from receiving your calls or letters at work, and such contacts are embarrassing and inconvenient for me. Therefore, please also refrain from contacting my workplace in any manner.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

DO NOT SIGN!!!!

[your name]

VALIDATION LETTER – COLLECTION AGENCY - 12

Date

Your name and mailing address

Creditor’s nameAddressAttn:

Dear (Creditor)

I am writing in response to your letter dated__________, (copy enclosed) because I do not believe that I owe what you say I owe.

This is the first that I’ve heard from you, or any other company on this matter, therefore, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices act, Section 809(b): Validating Debts:

(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

I respectfully request that you provide me with the following information:

the amount of the debt;the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;provide a verification or copy of any judgment (if applicable);proof that you are licensed to collect debts in Texas.

Be advised that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For instance, I know that:

because I have disputed this debt in writing within 30 days of receipt of your dunning notice, you must obtain verification of the debt or a copy of the judgment against me and mail these items to me at your expense;you cannot add interest or fees except those allowed by the original contract or state law;you do not have to respond to this dispute, but if you do, any attempt to collect this debt without validating it, violates the FDCPA.

Also be advised that I am keeping very accurate records of all correspondence from you and your company that include recording all phone calls and I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to my State Attorney General, The Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau.

I have disputed this debt, therefore, until validated, you know your information concerning this debt is inaccurate. Thus, if you have already reported this debt to any credit-reporting agency (CRA) or Credit Bureau (CB), then you must immediately inform them of my dispute with this debt. Reporting information that you know to be inaccurate or failing to report information correctly violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act 1681s-2. Should you pursue a judgment without validating this debt, I demand that you immediately send a copy of this dispute letter to the original creditor so they are also aware of my dispute with this debt.

Thank you,

Your name (typed and signature)

PAY FOR DELETION LETTER - 13

YOUR NAME YOUR ADDRESS COLLECTION AGENCY NAME COLLECTION AGENCY ADDRESS DATE


This letter is to inform you that the validity of this debt is disputed. The account number I have is the one listed on my credit report – which omits the last few digits.

Account #: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Having consulted with an attorney, I am aware of my legal rights and options against you.

In the spirit of compromise, I am proposing the following offer: I am willing to send you certified funds in the amount of $XX in exchange for the following: Deletion of this account on any reporting agencies it resides on, including but not limited to: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

The above mentioned action takes place no later than 48 hours from receipt of agreed payment in certified funds.

You sending me the UDF verifying the above action was indeed completed via postal mail.

The understanding that this debt, while not mine, was satisfied in full.

Agree to never discus this account with any party and never report nor cause to be reported this account to any reporting agency including but not limited to: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union.

Certified funds shall be construed as: Money Order, Certified Check, or Cash.

My letter should NOT be construed as an acknowledgement of liability for this debt in any manner.

My offer shall remain open for X business days from certified receipt of this letter. If you agree to these terms and accept this agreement as laid out, then please send back your approval on your company's letter head. Make sure the letter is signed by a person with the authority to accept said offer and that your letter states the terms of this offer. Your letter must be postmarked NO LATER than X business days from the date of certified receipt of this

letter. I look forward to your cooperation.

Sincerely, Your name

DEBT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - 14



WHEREAS a controversy arose between (CREDITOR) and (CONSUMER) and neither party admits responsibility nor assumes full liability, both parties, as evidenced by their signature below, have agreed to the following terms to settle their dispute.

(CONSUMER) has agreed to pay $(DOLLAR AMOUNT) as full and final settlement of all claims due. Payment is due and payable upon receipt of this signed agreement.

Upon receipt and subsequent clearance of the agreed upon payment, both parties release each other from any further claim or liability.

Furthermore (CREDITOR) agrees to remove any and all negative marks from (CONSUMER) credit profile and agrees to report the account as “Paid in Full.”

DATED THIS (DAY) of (MONTH) , 2009

__________________________ __________________________(CONSUMER)Authorized Signature Title

__________________________ ___________________________(CREDITOR)Authorized Signature Title

DEBT SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - 15


Re: Account Number

Sir or Madam,

I appreciate that your company is willing to negotiate with me to settle my debt.

This letter is to make a counter offer in response to the amount your customer service representative has asked me to pay in order to repay the debt in full.

The amount that I wish to offer you in payment of my debt is $_________.

Unfortunately, I do not presently have enough money to pay all my creditors. I can only settle my debts with those creditors who are willing to meet my terms. I have been able to negotiate successfully with several of creditors, and I doubt that I'll have sufficient funds remaining at the end of this month to repay everyone.

When I settle this debt, I'd like to request that you help me remove any negative listings on this account from my credit file. I am willing to offer you more money if you will report my account status as "Paid in full" to the credit bureaus.

If you find these terms agreeable, please sign the attached agreement letter and return a copy to me. Upon receipt of this signed acknowledged agreement, I will send you a money order in the amount stated above.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

IDENTITY THEFT (EXISTING ACCOUNT) - 16

Date

Your NameYour AddressYour City, State, Zip CodeYour Account Number

Name of Creditor/BankBilling InquiriesAddressCity, State, Zip Code

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to dispute a fraudulent [charge or debit] on my account in the amount of $______.

I am a victim of identity theft, and I did not make this [charge or debit]. I am requesting that the [charge be removed or the debit reinstated], that any finance and other charges related to the fraudulent amount be credited, as well, and that I receive an accurate statement.

Enclosed are copies of [use this sentence to describe any enclosed information, such as a police report] supporting my position. Please investigate this matter and correct the fraudulent [charge or debit] as soon as possible. I would appreciate a response from you in writing.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

(Your name)Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing)

IDENTITY THEFT (CREDIT BUREAUS) - 17

Date

Your NameYour AddressYour City, State, Zip Code

Fraud Division-EquifaxP.O. Box 740250Atlanta, GA 30374 OR

National Consumer Assistance Center-ExperianP.O. Box 9532Allen, TX 75013

OR

Fraud Victim Assistance Center-TransUnionP.O. Box 6790Fullerton, CA 92634-6790

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to dispute the following information on my file. The items I dispute also are circled on the attached copy of the credit report I received. [Identity item[s] disputed by name of source, such as creditors or tax court, and identify type of item, such as credit account, judgment, etc.]

I am a victim of identity theft, and did not make the charge[s]. I am requesting that the items be blocked to correct my credit report. In addition, I'd like to request a fraud alert placed on my file along with a victim's statement asking that creditors call me before opening any new accounts.

Enclosed are copies of [use this sentence if applicable and describe any enclosed documentation] supporting my position. Please investigate this matter and block the disputed item[s] as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

(Your name)Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing)

CAN’T PAY REGULAR PAYMENTS (TO CREDITOR) - 18

Date



Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Account Number

This letter is a written request for a temporary change in the repayment terms of my debt account. I am currently going through a financial crisis and may not be able to follow the current payment plan. I do not intend to file bankruptcy and would prefer to completely repay this obligation. I do have some income from different sources.

However, when I examined my financial situation and planned a budget, it became necessary for me to request a reduced/alternative payment plan for a number of months (specify the number, if possible) from each of my creditors. I would appreciate your co-operation in making this payment plan effective as soon as possible.

I request that you accept a monthly payment of $ instead of the regular payments of $ .

I shall begin making regular monthly payments as soon as I recover from this financial crisis. I hope you will understand my situation and co-operate with me.

I shall notify you of any change in my financial situation. I shall begin making regular monthly payments as soon as I recover from this financial crisis. I hope you will understand my situation and co-operate with me. I shall surely notify you of any change in my financial situation.

Your co-operation during this difficult time is highly appreciated.

Sincerely,NAME

GOODWILL LETTER - 19

Date




I am writing a letter about my experience with [COMPANY NAME] that is a mixture of a grateful "thank-you" and a pressing request concerning a [COMPANY NAME] Charge Card tradeline in my credit files that I would like to have revised.

I received the [COMPANY NAME] card in [YEAR], several years before I [CHAOTIC LIFE EVENT -- A MOVE, A BIRTH, MEDICAL SICKNESS, ETC.]. Later when I experienced the [CHAOTIC LIFE EVENT] and while working on [WORK PROJECT], I became disorganized with respect to, as you saw, making timely payments with [COMPANY NAME]. I fully recognize my responsibility with respect to payable accounts and have worked diligently to rehabilitate my relationship with [COMPANY NAME] since that time.

To be honest, that year was a "wake-up" call for me regarding fiscal organization. Since then I believe I have learned the essential organizational and financial management principles I desperately needed at that point. Thankfully, responsible credit management is now reflected in my credit records which -- excluding the [COMPANY NAME] card late entry -- are excellent. I wish to thank you for renewing your confidence in me and for giving me a second chance at a relationship with you, one that I am determined to keep spotless.

We are about to shop for a mortgage, and it has come to my attention that the late notations from [COMPANY NAME] may preclude me from taking full advantage of the very lowest interest rates now available. Since those notations do not reflect my current status with [COMPANY NAME], I am requesting that you give me a second chance at a positive credit rating by revising those tradelines. Your customer service repesentative suggested that I write you for a "goodwill adjustment." I sincerely hope that there is redemption at [COMPANY NAME], and I beg you for such consideration. Please let me know if any additional documentation would assist in reaching a positive outcome, and I thank you again for the time you have spent reading this letter.

Very hopefully yours,

NameAddressCity, STATE ZIP

You discover an error on your monthly credit card bill and need to dispute the error with your credit card company.

DISPUTING ERRORS ON CREDIT CARD BILLS – 20

Today's Date

Your Full NameCurrent AddressCurrent Phone Number

Name of Credit Card Company Mailing Address (check your statement for the correct address! It's usually different than the one you mail pay-ments too)City, State, Zip

Dear {Insert name of Credit Card Company from statement}

I am disputing an item on my statement, dated {insert date of statement}. Please note that this letter is dated within the 60-day limit required under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

or use the following paragraph instead

I am disputing an item on my statement dated {insert date of statement} because I am unable to determine from my records what the charge is for. I need more information about line item {place the line item number or de-scription here}. Please send copies of any documents you have pertaining to this item.

Please use the following information to investigate my claim:

{Insert your name as it appears on your credit card statement}

Date of Statement: {Insert the date from the statement you are disputing}

Account Number: {Insert credit card account number}

Date of Transaction: {Insert date from statement}

Description of Transaction {Copy from statement}

Describe Error: {If disputing dollar amount, insert amount using $0.0 format}

{Insert explanation of why you believe an error occurred}

I understand that you have 30 days to respond and 90 days to either resolve my dispute or inform me in writing of why the bill is correct. Until then, I will pay any amount due except for the amount in question and await your letter explaining all actions taken concerning this dispute.

If your investigation shows the information to be accurate, I respectfully request that you provide an explanation of your findings, a statement of what I owe, including any finance charges that have accumulated and any mini-mum payments I've missed while questioning this bill. If I agree with your findings, you can expect my payment in the amount you say I owe within the 10-day limit allowed under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Sincerely,

SignaturePrinted Name

BONUS

Negative item is back on my credit report.

REINSERTION LETTER

Date

ExperianP.O. Box 9595Allen, Texas 75013

Re: Account(s): #XXXX-XXXX-XXX

My Social Security number is:

My date of Birth is

Dear Sir or Madam;

I disputed the referenced accounts above on (date you sent them original dispute letter). The credit report of (date you received notification it was removed) and your report # shows these items were deleted from my credit file. Now these items have been reinserted on my credit report.

In accordance with the requirements of the FCRA as stated below, I am hereby requesting your complete compliance with any and all of the provisions:

*FCRA § 611, Procedure in case of disputed accuracy [15 U.S.C. § 1681i]*Requirements relating to reinsertion of previously deleted material.*Certification of accuracy of information. If any information is deleted from a consumer's file pursuant to subparagraph (A), the information may not reinserted in the file by the consumer reporting agency unless the person who furnishes the information certifies the information is complete and accurate.*If any information that has been deleted from a consumer's file pursuant to subparagraph (A) is reinserted in the file, the consumer reporting agency shall notify the consumer of the reinsertion in writing not later than 5 business days after the reinsertion or, if authorized by the consumer for that purpose, by any other means available to the agency. Additional information. As part of, or in addition to, the notice under clause (ii), a consumer reporting agency shall provide to a consumer in writing no later than 5 business days after the reinsertion date.

(I) a statement that the disputed information has been reinserted;(II) the business name and address of any furnisher of information contacted and the telephone number of such furnisher, if reasonably available, or of any furnisher of information that contacted the consumer reporting agency, in connection with the reinsertion of such information; and(III) a notice that the consumer has the right to add a statement to the consumer's file disputing the

accuracy or completeness of the disputed information.

I received no such notification. This is a serious violation of the FCRA, and I reserve the right to pursue further action. Your agency may avoid such action by immediately deleting this listing from my credit report.

Thank you,Your Name

Dispute Debt Collection with a New Collection Agency

Today's Date

Your NameHome AddressPhone Number

Attention: {name of creditor or collector} Name of AgencyAgency Address

Account Number: {account or reference number}

Dear Mr. /Ms.

I am writing in response to your (letter or phone call) dated {insert date}, (copy enclosed) because I do not believe I owe what you say I owe.

This is the (insert proper number) time I've disputed this debt. The first dispute was on {insert date} with {insert name of collection agency} and the second was on {insert date} with {insert name of collection agency}. Be advised that neither collection agency responded to my dispute.

In accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Section 809(b): Validating Debts:

(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsec-tion (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed por-tion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and ad-dress of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

I respectfully request that you provide me with the following information:

(1) the amount of the debt;

(2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;

(3) Provide a verification or copy of any judgment (if applicable);

(4) Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in (insert name of your state)

Be advised that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For instance, I know that:

because I have disputed this debt in writing within 30 days of receipt of your dunning notice, you must obtain verification of the debt or a copy of the judgment against me and mail these items to me at your expense;

you cannot add interest or fees accept those allowed by the original contract or state law.

you do not have to respond to this dispute but if you do, any attempt to collect this debt without validating it, violates the FDCPA;

Be advised that I am keeping very accurate records of all correspondence from you and your company including recording all phone calls and I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to my State At-torney General, the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau.

I have disputed this debt; therefore, until validated you know your information concerning this debt is inaccurate. Thus, if you have already reported this debt to any credit-reporting agency (CRA) or Credit Bureau (CB) then, you must immediately inform them of my dispute with this debt. Reporting informa-tion that you know to be inaccurate or failing to report information correctly violates the Fair Credit Re-porting Act § 1681s-2. Should you pursue a judgment without validating this debt, I will inform the judge and request the case be dismissed based on your failure to comply with the FDCPA.

If you do NOT own the rights to collect this debt, I demand that you immediately send a copy of this dis-pute letter to the original creditor that you say I owe money too so they are also aware of my dispute with this debt.

Sincerely,

Signature Your Printed Name

Request to Validate Medical Debt

[Your name][Your address]

[Address of collection agency]

[Date]

Amount of debt: [ ]Date of Service: [ ]Provider of Service: [ ]

Dear collection agent,

I received a bill from you on [date] and as allowed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), I am requesting that you allow me to validate the alleged debt. I am aware that there is a debt from [name of hospital/doctor], but I am unaware of the amount due and your bill does not include a break-down of any fees.

Additionally, I am allowed under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to pro-tect my privacy and medical records from third parties. I do not recall giving permission to [name of provider] for them to release my medical information to a third party. I am aware that the HIPAA does allow for limited information about me but anything more is to only be revealed with the patient’s au-thorization. Therefore my request is twofold—validation of debt and HIPAA authorization.

Please provide breakdown of fees including any collection costs and medical charges.

Provide a copy of my signature with the provider of service to release my medical information to you.

Cease any credit bureau reporting until the debt has been validated by me.

Please send this information to my address listed above and accept this letter, sent certified mail, as my formal debt validation request, which I am allowed under the FDCPA. Please note that withholding the information you received from any medical provider in an attempt to be HIPAA compliant can be a viola-tion of the FDCPA because you will be deceiving me after my written request. I request full documenta-tion of what you received from the provider of service in connection with this alleged debt.

Additionally, any reporting of this debt to the credit bureaus prior to allowing me to validate it may be a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which can allow me to seek damages from a collection agent. I will await your reply with above requested proof. Upon receiving it, I will correspond back by certified mail.

Sincerely,

[Your Printed Name]

Certified mail No: [ ]

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