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FIXING MISTAKES
If you find a mistake on your credit report, you can correct it as follows:
1. Make sure you have a copy of your credit report that contains information from the three major credit agencies -- Consumer Reporting Agencies ("CRA").
2. Figure out which agency is reporting the inaccurate information (there are usually codes next to each item that identify the agency), and file a dispute online.
3. Your dispute must be investigated within 30 days.
4. When the reinvestigation is complete, the CRA must give you the written results and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. If an item is changed or removed, the CRA cannot put the disputed information back in your file unless the credit card company verifies its accuracy and completeness, and the CRA gives you a written notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the credit card company.
RAPID RESCORE PROGRAM
If you have cash available to pay off some debt, we participate in a program that can predict how much your credit score can be raised by paying off debts. It can also predict your scores if mistakes are corrected. Credit scores can be raised significantly in about a week with this system.
REMOVING LATE PAYMENTS
If a company is reporting one or 2 late payments that you would like removed from your report, contact the company directly and ask that the items be removed. This generally works well with retail store cards who don't want to lose your business. Typically one or 2 late payments will not adversely affect your FICO score as long as the rest of your accounts are paid on time.
CREDIT REPAIR AGENCIES
If you have paid your accounts late and your credit score reflects this, there are agencies that purport to "repair" your credit. I don't place much faith in these agencies, despite their promises. I have never heard of good results if the late items are legitimate.
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