Archive for the ‘credit strategies’ Category

How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter

If you’re trying to write a credit dispute letter, then you know that sending a letter to the bureaus can remove bad credit like charge offs, collections, etc.

Saying the RIGHT things, in the RIGHT way in your dispute letter is crucial. On the other hand, saying the WRONG things in your dispute letter could result in the bureaus putting a red flag on your credit files – which means credit repair just got a LOT harder for you.

Here are the addresses for the three credit bureaus that you will need:

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374

Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022

Experian
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013

You can find samples of credit repair letters online but here is a list of information you will definitely need to include in your credit report dispute:

Identifying information

When writing a credit repair letter to the credit bureaus be sure to include your full legal name, your social security number, your current address and a copy of your driver’s license or passport.

Don’t feel like including this info? Then, expect the bureaus to send you stall letters and drag the process out for months longer than necessary.

Account information

Include as much information about the account in question as possible in your credit repair letter. Definitely include the name of the entry, the name of the original creditor, the name of the collection agency and the amount owed.

Your dispute

Incorporate into the letter as professionally as possible why you are disputing the entry on your credit report. If the entry is invalid, provide all documentation supporting your argument.

If the entry is being reported inaccurately you must have copies of the proof you have collected to support your claim. Supporting documents are very, very important to your dispute. It never hurts to quote laws that protect your rights. For example, “Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (cite the paragraph or sentence that applies) this item is being reported inaccurately.”

Organization

You should mail your letters and copies of documentation to the three credit bureaus using certified mail through the postal service. You will have peace of mind know the bureaus received your letter. Keep copies of all correspondence in a safe place.

Perhaps keep a spreadsheet documenting the items disputed, when disputed, the result, etc. It might take more than one attempt to get the desired result you are seeking.

* We were so impressed with Lexington Law that we decided to become a sponsor and put up this website.

If you’re not an organized person – or if this seems like too much work for you, consider handing it over to an affordable credit lawyer – like I did. Get a FREE credit consultation with credit repair experts by calling 1-800-298-4297

What is the Best Way To Fix Your Credit?

Considering hiring a credit lawyer? Perhaps you believe you can tackle fixing bad credit on your own with letters and forms? Whatever the case, you want the quickest way to fix your credit. You want results – not promises and you want to see your credit score improve.

If you have a couple of credit “dings” here and there from long ago and are comfortable writing a few dispute letters, then perhaps the “home depot” do-it-yourself credit repair method is for you.

On the other hand, if you are trying to remove charge offs, a judgment or any other severe credit item, then the do-it-yourself road just ain’t going to cut it. You’ll likely need to employ more aggressive credit repair tactics like debt validation, escalated information requests, and more. These are complicated. To have them explained in detail, give Lexington a call at this direct line: 1-800-298-4297.

“Home Depot” Do-it-Yourself Credit Repair Method

The first step is to assess the damage.  Apply for a credit report from the three major credit agencies, Experian, Trans Union and Equifax and read it carefully.  Read it word by word, noting dates and payments applied.  Are they listed as delinquent, even though you felt they were paid on time?  Look for any inaccuracies you find on them, including your birth date, social security number and residence.

Many a job seeker has been turned down when their potential employer sees inaccuracies when it comes to where they live.  If you are not truthful about something as simple as your home address, they reason, what else are they hiding?

If you find errors on your credit report, start an investigation immediately.  You have the right to question these errors under legislation covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other laws passed to protect consumers.

If you are mailing your request for a full investigation into your credit report, make sure you send it with a cover letter and sent it registered mail, return receipt requested, so that you will have hard proof should your case ever end up in a court of law.  Only send copies and never any originals of any receipts or release of liens, or any other important paperwork.

Maybe it was the glut of mortgages approved for people who couldn’t afford them, or the overextension of credit cards to consumers who wanted to get an easy way of building for their future. It could have been the infamous Bernie Madoff scandal that bilked billions of dollars out of unsuspecting or less savvy investors.

Whatever it was, the economy world as it was once known has been blown to smithereens, and the financial landscape now looks a lot different that it did five years, or even two years ago. In other words, if you’re looking to fix bad credit, you’re not alone.

* We were so impressed with Lexington Law that we decided to become a sponsor and put up this website.

People are now paying attention their credit scores listed on their credit reports more than ever before. A good credit rating is what will help you achieve a realistic goal in providing for your future. Whether it be purchasing a house or a car, getting the mortgage or a loan is not as simple as it used to be. There are no longer any guarantees when it comes to finance and credit. Get a FREE credit consultation with credit repair experts by calling 1-800-298-4297