Credit Report Disputes & Claims

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="074285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Gordon R. Leech, Wisconsin Fair Credit, Injury & Employment Attorney</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gordon R. Leech, Wisconsin Fair Credit, "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="potential_claim_inquiry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Potential Claim Inquiry"><U>Potential Claim Inquiry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="attorney_gordon_leech_biography.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Attorney Gordon Leechs Biography"><U>Attorney Gordon Leech's Biography</U></A>   |   <B>Credit Report Disputes & Claims</B>   |   <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Identity Theft"><U>Identity Theft</U></A>   |   <A HREF="debt_collection_violations.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Debt Collection Violations"><U>Debt Collection Violations</U></A>   |   <A HREF="your_rights_when_credit_card_bills_have_errors.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Credit Card Billing Errors"><U>Credit Card Billing Errors</U></A>   |   <A HREF="workers_rights_in_wisconsin___federal_law.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Your Rights In The Workplace"><U>Your Rights In The Workplace</U></A>   |   <A HREF="your_employment_rights_in_wisconsin__overtime_pay.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Employment Claims"><U>Employment Claims</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Unpaid Wage Claims"><U>Unpaid Wage Claims</U></A>   |   <A HREF="wisconsin_workers_compensation_claim_information.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Work Injury Claims"><U>Work Injury Claims</U></A>   |   <A HREF="reemployment_rights_of_uniformed_service_members.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reemployment Rights of Uniformed Service"><U>Reemployment Rights of Uniformed Service Members</U></A>   |   <A HREF="auto_fraud___deceptive_practices.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Auto Fraud"><U>Auto Fraud</U></A>   |   <A HREF="how_to_protect_your_rights.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How to Protect Your Rights"><U>How to Protect Your Rights</U></A>   |   <A HREF="workplace___consumer_news.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News"><U>News</U></A>   |   <A HREF="helpful_links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Helpful Links"><U>Helpful Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id33.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="File Share"><U>File Share</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U>Newsletter</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U>Downloads</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="073d2c00dkelyh.png"> <div> Samster, Konkel & Safran, SC</div> <div> 1110 N. Old World Third St. #405</div> <div> Milwaukee, WI 53203</div> <div> Tel: 414-224-0400</div> <bR> <div> My Other Sites:</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.myfaircredit.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfaircredit.com"><U>www.MyFairCredit.com</U></A>, information on your consumer rights relating to Fair Credit Reporting and Obtaining Your Credit Reports.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.myfairdebt.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfairdebt.com"><U>www.MyFairDebt.com</U></A>, information on your consumer rights relating to Fair Debt Collection.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.skslawyers.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.skslawyers.com"><U>www.skslawyers.com</U></A>, information on the law firm of Samster, Konkel & Safran.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Potential claim?  </B><A HREF="potential_claim_inquiry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Potential Claim Inquiry"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A><B>.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Want to see our newsletter?  </B><A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U><B>Click Here</B></U></A><B>.</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Credit Report Disputes & Claims</I></div> <div> Credit Report disputes can involve the inaccurate reporting of your credit by the credit reporting agencies for many reasons.  Some reasons include a creditor incorrectly reporting the status of your account, someone else's information is on your credit report or someone has stolen your identity and is opening fraudulent accounts in your name.  Sometimes, old information, even though it is accurate, is wrongfully reported.  When debt is sold, some debt buyers or debt collectors will use an incorrect date of last activity so that the delinquency appears more recent than it really is.  Also, your right to the privacy of your credit history may be violated by someone reviewing your file without your permission or a report may be used in an unauthorized manner.  </div> <bR> <div> Recoveries for violations of the fair credit reporting laws oftentimes include a statutory minimum award or actual damages caused by the violation and attorney's fees.</div> <bR> <div> Links on this page, click on to navigate to that section:</div> <div> <A HREF="#common_reasons_for_inaccurate_credit" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Common Reasons for Inaccurate Credit Reports</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#how_long_adverse_information_can_remain" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">How Long Adverse Information Can Remain In Credit Reports</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#your_right_to_a_free_copy_of_your_1" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Your Right to a Free Copy of Your Credit Reports</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#checking_your_credit_reports_for" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Checking Your Credit Report for Inaccuracies and Impermissible Access</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#disputing_credit_report_entries_1" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Disputing Credit Report Entries</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#sample_dispute_letter_to_a_credit" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sample Dispute Letter to Credit Reporting Agency</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#sample_post_reinvestigation_ltr_to" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sample Post Reinvestigation Ltr to Credit Reporting Agency re Consumer Statement of Dispute</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#sample_notice_to_furnisher_of" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sample Dispute Letter to Furnisher of Inaccurate Information</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#sample_notice_to_debt_collector_of" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sample Dispute Letter to Debt Collector Regarding Innaccurate Reporting of Debt to Credit Reporting Agency</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#summary_of_your_rights_under_the" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Federal Trade Commission Summary of Your Rights Under Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="common_reasons_for_inaccurate_credit"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Common Reasons for Inaccurate Credit Reports [</I><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><I>Back to Top</I></U></A><I>]</I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Mixing someone else's information into your reports </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Inaccurate reporting of payment history by the creditor</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Misapplication of payments on multiple accounts, showing a larger amount due on undisputed debt, but a smaller amount on disputed debt</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Indicating a bankruptcy on your report when you are a co-signer on a debt but not personally in bankruptcy</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Accounts fraudulently opened by Identity Theft</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Impermissible Access by Spouses, Insurance, Account Reviews, Employers, Opposing Party in Litigation, Car Dealer, Bank</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Double Entries on the same account</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Multiple reports of the same debt by former and a current debt collector</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reporting a more recent date of delinquency to make the delinquency appear more recent than it really is</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Failure to note that an account/debt is disputed</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reporting of Obsolete information (account that was in default more than 7.5 years ago except for judgments and bankruptcy)</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="how_long_adverse_information_can_remain"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>How Long Adverse Information Can Remain in Credit Reports [</I><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><I>Back to Top</I></U></A><I>]</I></div> <div> The following is the text of the Fair Credit Reporting Act that identifies the period of time that the credit reporting agency is permitted to report adverse or negative information.  There are some additional rules about bankruptcy reporting and a requirement that the credit reporting agency note any information that you dispute while it is conducting an investigation into your dispute.</div> <bR> <div> <B>§ 605. Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports </B>[15 U.S.C. §1681c]</div> <div> (a) <I>Information excluded from consumer reports. </I>Except as authorized under subsection</div> <div> (b) of this section, no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report</div> <div> containing any of the following items of information:</div> <div> (1) Cases under title 11 [United States Code] or under the Bankruptcy Act that, from</div> <div> the date of entry of the order for relief or the date of adjudication, as the case may</div> <div> be, antedate the report by more than 10 years.</div> <div> (2) Civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest that from date of entry, antedate</div> <div> the report by more than seven years or until the governing statute of limitations</div> <div> has expired, whichever is the longer period.</div> <div> (3) Paid tax liens which, from date of payment, antedate the report by more than</div> <div> seven years.</div> <div> (4) Accounts placed for collection or charged to profit and loss which antedate the</div> <div> report by more than seven years.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >1</FONT></div> <div> (5) Any other adverse item of information, other than records of convictions of</div> <div> crimes which antedates the report by more than seven years.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >1</FONT></div> <div> (6) The name, address, and telephone number of any medical information furnisher</div> <div> that has notified the agency of its status, unless--</div> <div> (A) such name, address, and telephone number are restricted or reported using</div> <div> codes that do not identify, or provide information sufficient to infer, the</div> <div> specific provider or the nature of such services, products, or devices to a</div> <div> person other than the consumer; or</div> <div> (B) the report is being provided to an insurance company for a purpose</div> <div> relating to engaging in the business of insurance other than property and</div> <div> casualty insurance.</div> <div> (b) <I>Exempted cases. </I>The provisions of paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a) of</div> <div> this section are not applicable in the case of any consumer credit report to be used in</div> <div> connection with</div> <div> (1) a credit transaction involving, or which may reasonably be expected to involve, a</div> <div> principal amount of $150,000 or more;</div> <div> (2) the underwriting of life insurance involving, or which may reasonably be</div> <div> expected to involve, a face amount of $150,000 or more; or</div> <div> (3) the employment of any individual at an annual salary which equals, or which may</div> <div> reasonably be expected to equal $75,000, or more.</div> <div> (c) Running of Reporting Period</div> <div> (1) <I>In general. </I>The 7-year period referred to in paragraphs (4) and (6)<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >2 </FONT>of subsection</div> <div> (a) shall begin, with respect to any delinquent account that is placed for collection</div> <div> (internally or by referral to a third party, whichever is earlier), charged to profit and</div> <div> loss, or subjected to any similar action, upon the expiration of the 180-day period</div> <div> beginning on the date of the commencement of the delinquency which immediately</div> <div> preceded the collection activity, charge to profit and loss, or similar action.</div> <div> (2) <I>Effective date. </I>Paragraph (1) shall apply only to items of information added to the</div> <div> file of a consumer on or after the date that is 455 days after the date of enactment of</div> <div> the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="your_right_to_a_free_copy_of_your_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Your Right to a Free Copy of Your Credit Reports [</I><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><I>Back to Top</I></U></A><I>]</I></div> <div> The first step in any credit reporting issue is to get a copy of your credit reports with each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.  You have a right to a free copy of your credit reports from each of the 3 major credit reporting agencies.  To get your free copy, you can order it through the website set up by the Federal Trade Commission at <A HREF="http://www.annualcreditreport.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.annualcreditreport.com"><U>www.annualcreditreport.com</U></A>.  You can also order it by mail using the form provided at that website, or download it by <A HREF="id35_fair_credit_issues_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U>clicking here</U></A>.  After getting your annual credit report, you should check all the entries to see what if any do not belong to you.  These would be accounts that you never opened or you closed and therefore should not show any activity.  You may likely find entires for people with similar names, that live near you, relatives, etc.  Particularly if the information reported is negative, like "in collections," or late payment history or financial insitutions checking your credit in relation to a request for credit, you should correct this information because it is probably affecting the price you pay for credit, preventing you from getting credit or even increasing your costs for insurance and other necessities.  To correct the information, you need to send the credit reporting agency that is reporting the bad information notice of your dispute over the specific items.  See below for more information on <B>Disputing Credit Reports</B>.  You can also get more information about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and post questions to a consumer forum on these issues at <A HREF="http://www.myfaircredit.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfaircredit.com"><U>www.MyFairCredit.com</U></A>.</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="checking_your_credit_reports_for"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Checking Your Credit Reports for Inaccuracies and Impermissible Access [</I><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><I>Back to Top</I></U></A><I>]</I></div> <div> Review your credit reports for inaccurate information.  Look for accounts that you never opened.  These may be accounts opened by an identity thief or information that the reporting agency mistakenly associated with you.  Look for inaccurate information about your payment history and current balances.  Examine your address and work history, paying particular attention to information that does not belong to you, which may cause other errors.</div> <div> When examining your reports, you should also look at the section that identifies who else has reviewed your file.  Typically, you will find creditors with whom you have an account perform account reviews, which is a lawful purpose.  You will also find banks and other financial entities with whom you have requested credit.  If, however, you see entities listed with whom you did not seek credit or otherwise give permission to review your credit file, these entities may have unlawfully reviewed your personal and financial information.</div> <div> You should write to the credit reporting agencies regarding all inaccurate information in your files and about unauthorized access to your file.  If you dispute the information and the credit reporting agency cannot verify that the information is valid, the agency has a legal obligation to remove it from your report and to notify you of its actions on your dispute.  Also, if the agency re-reports the information, it must give you written notice of doing so.</div> <div> If the credit reporting agency or the furnisher verifies bad information, you may have a claim against one or both of them.  For this reason, it is important that all your communication be in writing, or at least confirmed in writing, and that you send it by certified return receipt mail and that you keep a copy of the letters that you send.  These written communications will be valuable proof of any violations.</div> <div> If someone has accessed your credit report without your permission or with legal authority to do so, you may also have a claim for that invasion of privacy against anyone doing so, that person's employer if it was done for or permitted by the employer, and possibly against the credit reporting agency for permitting the unlawful access to your file.</div> <div> <I> <A NAME="disputing_credit_report_entries_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Disputing Credit Report Entries [</I><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><I>Back to Top</I></U></A><I>]</I></div> <div> You can dispute entires on your credit reports.  You should do it in writing, sending your letters by certified return receipt mail.  Keep a copy of everything you send and receive.</div> <bR> <div> To dispute a credit report entry, send a letter to the credit reporting agency reporting the bad information and tell it specifically what entries on the report you dispute.  Ask the credit reporting agency to conduct an investigation to verify the entry, to remove the entry and if it does not remove it, to report it as disputed.  When identifying the entry or entries that you dispute, be very specific.  You can include a copy of the credit report with the bad information and circle the entries that you dispute.  In your letter, you should also say exactly why you dispute the entry.  For example, it reflects an account that you have never opened.  Or perhaps it shows a balance on a credit card that you know was paid down months ago.  Certain entries should be removed because they are too old, for example a debt that went into default more than 7 years ago and the creditor never got a court judgment on.</div> <bR> <div> The Credit Reporting Agency has 30 days from receipt of your dispute letter to investigate your dispute, which is actually called a "reinvestigation" under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  If you send the CRA more information during this 30 day period, it then has an additional 15 days, making the total 45, to respond to your dispute.  During this reinvestigation, the CRA sends your dispute to the furnisher of the information and asks it for a response.  The CRA then makes its determination of how it is going to report that entry on your report.  The CRA then reports back to you the results of its reinvestigation and typically sends you a new report showing how it is now reporting your information.  If any information remains inaccurate, you have the right to have your statement included with the entry on the report if you send another letter requesting the CRA to include it.  Below is a sample letter you can use to demand your consumer statement be included with any reporting that continues to be inaccurate after a reinvestigation.  </div> <bR> <div> If the CRA unreasonably continues to report inaccurate information after your dispute, you may have a claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  If you suffer any damages, economic loss or emotional distress, you may also be able to recover these losses.  In the absence of actual damages, you may be able to recover an amount, not to exceed $1,000, as determined by a judge upon a successful lawsuit.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="sample_dispute_letter_to_a_credit"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Sample Dispute Letter to a Credit Reporting Agency [</B><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A><B>] </B><A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U><B>[Click here to Download Sample Letter]</B></U></A></div> <div> [YOUR NAME]</div> <div> [YOUR ADDRESS]</div> <bR> <div> [DATE]</div> <bR> <div> Sent By Certified Mail No. _________________________</div> <div> Return Receipt Requested</div> <bR> <div> [NAME OF CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY]</div> <div> [ADDRESS OF CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY]</div> <bR> <div> Re:      INACCURATE CONSUMER/CREDIT REPORT</div> <div> REQUEST FOR REINVESTIGATION</div> <bR> <div> To Whom It May Concern:</div> <bR> <div> My social security number is _______________. My date of birth is ___________________. My address is listed above.  </div> <bR> <div> The consumer report that you recently sent me (enclosed) is not accurate because of the entry and reason identified below.  I demand that you contact the furnisher of this inaccurate information, provide all of the information that I am giving you supporting my dispute, that you either note my dispute or not report this inaccurate information in any consumer report provided until such time as you complete your reinvestigation, and that you then stop reporting this inaccurate information upon completing your reinvestigation.</div> <bR> <div> The following entry is inaccurate:</div> <bR> <div> Account Name:</div> <div> Account Number:</div> <div> Reason Why Inaccurate:</div> <bR> <div> I request that you investigate this matter and report back to me the results of your investigation.  I want you to report the results of your investigation along with a description of the procedure you used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the information.  Include the name, business address, and telephone number of any person contacted in connection with your investigation.  I also want you to state the resulting actions you took with regard to associating these accounts with me.  Please also provide me with a copy of any documents you reviewed in this process.</div> <bR> <div> Sincerely,</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> [YOUR NAME WITH SIGNATURE ABOVE]</div> <bR> <div> Enclosures:</div> <div> Credit Report</div> <div> [Identify and enclose any supporting documents showing that you have a valid dispute]</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="sample_post_reinvestigation_ltr_to"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Sample Post Reinvestigation Ltr to Consumer Reporting Agency re Consumer Statement of Dispute </B><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B>[Back to Top]</B></U></A><B> </B><A HREF="id35_fair_credit_issues_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U><B>[Click Here to Download Sample Letter]</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> [Consumer Name]</div> <div> [Consumer Address]</div> <bR> <div> [Date]</div> <bR> <div> [Name & Address of Credit Reporting Agency]</div> <bR> <div> Ref: Report Number ____________ of [date of report]</div> <bR> <div> I continue to dispute the entries made by [Furnisher/Tradeline] (partial account number ______), [Furnisher/Tradeline] (partial account number ______) and [Furnisher/Tradeline] (partial account number ______).  I demand that you note my dispute in all future reports.</div> <bR> <div> [State nature of continued dispute as to each tradeline.]</div> <bR> <div> I also require that, with regard to your reinvestigation, a description of how you verified the information, including business name and address contacted and the telephone number.</div> <bR> <div> I also request that you send the results of your reinvestigation to organizations who have reviewed my credit report in the past two years for employment purposes or six months for any other purpose.</div> <bR> <div> Yours truly,</div> <bR> <div> [YOUR NAME WITH SIGNATURE ABOVE]</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="sample_notice_to_furnisher_of"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Sample Notice to Furnisher of Inaccurate Information Letter [</B><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A><B>] </B><A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U><B>[Click here to Download Sample Letter]</B></U></A></div> <div> [YOUR NAME]</div> <div> [YOUR ADDRESS]</div> <bR> <div> [DATE]</div> <bR> <div> Sent By Certified Mail No. _________________________</div> <div> Return Receipt Requested</div> <bR> <div> [NAME OF FURNISHER OF INFORMATION]</div> <div> [ADDRESS OF FURNISHER OF INFORMATION]</div> <bR> <div> Re:      INACCURATE REPORTING OF INFORMATION TO CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY</div> <bR> <div> To Whom It May Concern:</div> <bR> <div> You are reporting inaccurate information about me to credit reporting agencies.  I demand that you stop reporting this inaccurate information.  The specific details of the information that I have is below.  I have submitted a dispute to [INSERT NAME OF CRA] and asked for a reinvestigation to correct or remove this information that you are reporting.</div> <bR> <div> The specific information on my credit report of which I am aware at this time regarding the inaccurate information that you are reporting is as follows:</div> <bR> <div> Account Name:</div> <div> Account Number:</div> <div> Reason Why Inaccurate:</div> <bR> <div> I demand that you stop reporting this inaccurate information.  When the credit reporting agency(ies) request verification of this matter, I demand that you not verify the inaccurate information you have provided to date.  I demand that you correctly note my dispute regarding this account with anyone or entity that you legally communicate with about this matter.  I also demand that you refrain from selling this debt with the inaccurate information or otherwise attempt to collect upon it.</div> <bR> <div> Please also respond to this letter by telling me what action you are going to take on this matter.</div> <bR> <div> Sincerely,</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> [YOUR NAME WITH SIGNATURE ABOVE]</div> <bR> <div> Enclosures:</div> <div> [Identify and enclose any supporting documents showing that you have a valid dispute]</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="sample_notice_to_debt_collector_of"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Sample Notice to Debt Collector of Dispute of Debt [</B><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A><B>] </B><A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U><B>[Click here to Download Sample Letter]</B></U></A></div> <div> From:</div> <div> [Name & Address]</div> <bR> <div> [Date]</div> <bR> <div> To:</div> <div> [Debt Collector Name & Address]</div> <bR> <div> By Certified Return Receipt Mail, Receipt No. ___________________</div> <bR> <div> Re:     Dispute Notice & Request for Validation</div> <div>      Your File No. [Debt Collector's reference number regarding this debt]</div> <bR> <div> To Whom It May Concern:</div> <bR> <div> I dispute the entire debt that you have contacted me about identified in your [date of collector's letter or phone call] letter (enclosed) [or phone call].  I demand my rights to verification of this debt in writing.  Provide me with the following information:</div> <div> The name and address of the original creditor;</div> <div> The account number of the original creditor;</div> <div> The name of the person to whom the original creditor claims opened the subject account or entered such contract establishing the debt;</div> <div> The written instrument documenting the agreement or obligation such as the account application, contract or other document establishing the liability you claim;</div> <div> An accounting and itemization of the amount you claim is owed, specifically the original debt, any amounts you claim are due because of interest, attorney's fees, costs, collection costs, and any other amount added to the original debt;</div> <div> The date(s) upon which the subject debt was incurred;</div> <div> A copy of any judgment relating to the debt; and</div> <div> Any other document supporting your position that this debt is my obligation.</div> <div> I also demand that you cease efforts to collect upon this debt, do not call me at my workplace because that is not convenient for me and is not permitted by my employer, and do not contact me by telephone.  I demand that any further communication regarding this debt be in writing.  Do not sell or assign this debt or otherwise communicate with anyone about this debt without also noting my dispute.</div> <div> I have disputed this debt with [NAME OF CREDIT REPORTING AGENCY] to whom you are reporting it.  I demand that you notify this agency and all other persons or entities to whom you have legally reported this matter of my dispute and that you stop any such reporting of this dispute.</div> <div> Sincerely,</div> <bR> <div> [Your Signature and Printed Name]</div> <div> [identify and enclose the letter you received from the debt collector for purpose of identifying the disputed debt]</div> <div> [identify and enclose any documents supporting your dispute]</div> <bR> <div> <I> <A NAME="summary_of_your_rights_under_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Summary of Your Rights under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act [</I><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><I>Back to Top</I></U></A><I>]</I></div> <div> The following information is from the Federal Trade Commission's Summary of Consumer Rights in Fair Credit Reporting matters:*</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Para informacion en espanol, visite </B></I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>www.ftc.gov/credit </B></I></FONT><I><B>o escribe a la FTC Consumer Response</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Center, Room 130-A 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act</B></div> <div> The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of</div> <div> information in the files of consumer reporting agencies. There are many types of consumer reporting</div> <div> agencies, including credit bureaus and specialty agencies (such as agencies that sell information about</div> <div> check writing histories, medical records, and rental history records). Here is a summary of your major</div> <div> rights under the FCRA. <B>For more information, including information about additional rights, go</B></div> <div> <B>to </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>www.ftc.gov/credit </B></FONT><B>or write to: Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade</B></div> <div> <B>Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.</B></div> <div> <B>You must be told if information in your file has been used against you. </B>Anyone who uses a</div> <div> credit report or another type of consumer report to deny your application for credit, insurance,</div> <div> or employment – or to take another adverse action against you – must tell you, and must give</div> <div> you the name, address, and phone number of the agency that provided the information.</div> <div> <B>You have the right to know what is in your file. </B>You may request and obtain all the</div> <div> information about you in the files of a consumer reporting agency (your “file disclosure”). You</div> <div> will be required to provide proper identification, which may include your Social Security</div> <div> number. In many cases, the disclosure will be free. You are entitled to a free file disclosure if:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">a person has taken adverse action against you because of information in your credit</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">report;</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">you are the victim of identify theft and place a fraud alert in your file;</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">your file contains inaccurate information as a result of fraud;</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">you are on public assistance;</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">you are unemployed but expect to apply for employment within 60 days.</div> <div> In addition, by September 2005 all consumers will be entitled to one free disclosure every 12</div> <div> months upon request from each nationwide credit bureau and from nationwide specialty</div> <div> consumer reporting agencies. See <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >www.ftc.gov/credit </FONT>for additional information.</div> <div> <B>You have the right to ask for a credit score. </B>Credit scores are numerical summaries of your</div> <div> credit-worthiness based on information from credit bureaus. You may request a credit score</div> <div> from consumer reporting agencies that create scores or distribute scores used in residential real</div> <div> property loans, but you will have to pay for it. In some mortgage transactions, you will receive</div> <div> credit score information for free from the mortgage lender.</div> <div> <B>You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. </B>If you identify</div> <div> information in your file that is incomplete or inaccurate, and report it to the consumer reporting</div> <div> agency, the agency must investigate unless your dispute is frivolous. See <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >www.ftc.gov/credit</FONT></div> <div> for an explanation of dispute procedures.</div> <div> <B>Consumer reporting agencies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or</B></div> <div> <B>unverifiable information. </B>Inaccurate, incomplete or unverifiable information must be</div> <div> removed or corrected, usually within 30 days. However, a consumer reporting agency may</div> <div> continue to report information it has verified as accurate.</div> <div> <B>Consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information. </B>In most</div> <div> cases, a consumer reporting agency may not report negative information that is more than seven</div> <div> years old, or bankruptcies that are more than 10 years old.</div> <div> <B>Access to your file is limited. </B>A consumer reporting agency may provide information about</div> <div> you only to people with a valid need -- usually to consider an application with a creditor,</div> <div> insurer, employer, landlord, or other business. The FCRA specifies those with a valid need for</div> <div> access.</div> <div> <B>You must give your consent for reports to be provided to employers. </B>A consumer</div> <div> reporting agency may not give out information about you to your employer, or a potential</div> <div> employer, without your written consent given to the employer. Written consent generally is not</div> <div> required in the trucking industry. For more information, go to <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >www.ftc.gov/credit</FONT>.</div> <div> <B>You may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance you get based on information</B></div> <div> <B>in your credit report. </B>Unsolicited “prescreened” offers for credit and insurance must include</div> <div> a toll-free phone number you can call if you choose to remove your name and address from the</div> <div> lists these offers are based on. You may opt-out with the nationwide credit bureaus at</div> <div> 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).</div> <div> <B>You may seek damages from violators. </B>If a consumer reporting agency, or, in some cases, a</div> <div> user of consumer reports or a furnisher of information to a consumer reporting agency violates</div> <div> the FCRA, you may be able to sue in state or federal court.</div> <div> <B>Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have additional rights. </B>For more</div> <div> information, visit <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >www.ftc.gov/credit</FONT>.</div> <div> *Reproduced directly from the Federal Trade Commission's website: www.ftc.gov.</div> <bR> <div> <B>[</B><A HREF="credit_report_disputes__what_to_do__know_your_rights_m.htm" TITLE="Credit Report Disputes Claims"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A><B>]</B></div> <bR> <div> To find more information on Credit Report errors, how to dispute credit report entries and your rights with regard to credit, visit my site at <A HREF="http://www.myfaircredit.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfaircredit.com"><U>www.MyFairCredit.com</U></A>.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Attorney Gordon R. Leech</div> <div> Samster, Konkel & Safran, SC</div> <div> 1110 N. Old World Third St., Suite 405</div> <div> Milwaukee, WI 53203</div> <div> Tel: 414-224-0400</div> <div> Email: <A HREF="mailto:gleech@attorneyleech.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:gleech@attorneyleech.com"><U>gleech@AttorneyLeech.com</U></A></div> <div> Web: www.AttorneyLeech.com; <A HREF="http://www.myfaircredit.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.myfaircredit.com"><U>www.MyFairCredit.com</U></A>; <A HREF="http://www.skslawyers.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.skslawyers.com"><U>www.SKSLawyers.com</U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>