
• Equifax:
Equifax Credit Information Services
PO Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
(800) 685-1111
Website: www.equifax.com
•
Experian:
Experian
PO Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
Website: www.experian.com
•
Trans Union:
Trans Union
PO Box 2000 Chester, PA 19022
(800) 888-4213
Website: www.tuc.com
Annualcreditreport.com
National Service that provides all consumers with one free credit report per year.
(877) 322-8228
Website: www.Annualcreditreport.com
It
is important to keep in mind that each credit report may contain different
information. Many creditors
do not report to all three bureaus.
This is why it is very important to get copies of ALL THREE credit
reports. This will ensure
that you will see all of your credit information.
The
following information is required when ordering credit reports:
After
you have received your reports, review them very carefully. It is important
to understand that credit bureaus generate your report on information
they receive from your creditors; they don’t verify what is provided to
them. It is your responsibility to ensure what is being reported about
you is correct. If
your credit report contains errors, do not panic.
Each report will come with instructions on how to dispute inaccurate
items. The agency must investigate the items, usually within 30 days,
with the source of the information in question to determine whether or
not the dispute is valid. The source must review the dispute and report
its findings back to the agency.
If
the dispute is valid, the source must also inform other credit reporting
agencies to which it has provided the data of any error. The agency must
provide you with a written report of the investigation and a new copy
of their credit report if the investigation results in any change. If
an item is deleted or a dispute statement is filed, the consumer may request
that anyone who has recently received his or her report be notified of
the change.
If
the investigation does not resolve the dispute, you have the right to
add a 100 word statement to your file. The credit reporting agencies must
include a summary of the statement in future reports.
Be sure to document all of your communication regarding
your dispute. Keep copies and records of all the forms, letters and documentation
that you send the credit bureaus, plus dates sent.
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