Credit Repair Repair Summit FACTUAL TECHNICAL T ECHNICAL DISPUTE METHODOLOGY By J!"ua Carm#a
TABLE TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS Part $ % Credit Repair a#d t"e C#!umer I& Ba'()ru#d a#d I#trdu'ti# t Credit Repair* $ II& T"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't +FCRA,* III& Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# A't +CROA,* / I0& Re1A'ti2e Credit Repair Le)a'y Mde3* 4 A& T"e Met"d* 4 B& T"e Imp3i'ati#!* 4 0& Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair Mde3* 5 A& T"e Met"d* 5 B& T"e Imp3i'ati#!* 5 0I& Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! a#d t"e Pr'e!!i#) 6 Di!pute!* 7 0II& C#!umer U#der!ta#di#) a#d Mi!u#der!ta#di#)!* 8 0III& T"e Cu!tdia#! 6 t"e Credit Reprt* $9 I:& Credit Reprt 0i3ati#!* $$ :& C#!ider t"e Stati!ti'!* $; :I& Meet t"e Need* $5 Part < %Meeti#) t"e Need :II& C3a!!i' Di!pute Te'"#i=ue* <9 :III& Strate)ie! a#d Ta'ti'! Ma(e Yu Fee3 Se'ure* << :I0& S're>ay Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# Di!pute Pr'e!!* <4 :0& S're>ay* <5 A& T"e De3i2era?3e* <5 B& T"e Spu# Temp3ate* <7 C& T"e Temp3ate Type!* <7 D& T"e Pr'e!!r Trade Li#e A#a3y!i!* <7 :0I& T"e A#atmy 6 A Di!pute Letter* <8 :0II& S're@! P3i'y* -/
TABLE TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS Part $ % Credit Repair a#d t"e C#!umer I& Ba'()ru#d a#d I#trdu'ti# t Credit Repair* $ II& T"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't +FCRA,* III& Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# A't +CROA,* / I0& Re1A'ti2e Credit Repair Le)a'y Mde3* 4 A& T"e Met"d* 4 B& T"e Imp3i'ati#!* 4 0& Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair Mde3* 5 A& T"e Met"d* 5 B& T"e Imp3i'ati#!* 5 0I& Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! a#d t"e Pr'e!!i#) 6 Di!pute!* 7 0II& C#!umer U#der!ta#di#) a#d Mi!u#der!ta#di#)!* 8 0III& T"e Cu!tdia#! 6 t"e Credit Reprt* $9 I:& Credit Reprt 0i3ati#!* $$ :& C#!ider t"e Stati!ti'!* $; :I& Meet t"e Need* $5 Part < %Meeti#) t"e Need :II& C3a!!i' Di!pute Te'"#i=ue* <9 :III& Strate)ie! a#d Ta'ti'! Ma(e Yu Fee3 Se'ure* << :I0& S're>ay Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# Di!pute Pr'e!!* <4 :0& S're>ay* <5 A& T"e De3i2era?3e* <5 B& T"e Spu# Temp3ate* <7 C& T"e Temp3ate Type!* <7 D& T"e Pr'e!!r Trade Li#e A#a3y!i!* <7 :0I& T"e A#atmy 6 A Di!pute Letter* <8 :0II& S're@! P3i'y* -/
Part 1 Credit Repair and the Consumer BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION TO CREDIT REPAIR >"y >"y '" '"!e !e t"e t"e Cred Credit it Repai epairr Bu Bu!i !i#e #e!! !! T"er T"ere e are are a mu3t mu3tit itud ude e 6 3u'r 3u'rat ati2 i2e e i#du!trie! ut t"ere "at i! it t"at ma(e! t"e Credit Repair Bu!i#e!! ! attra'ti2e Stati! Stati!ti' ti'! ! te33 te33 t"e !try !try&& T"e T"e >a33 Street Street Jur# Jur#a3 a3 ep3ai ep3ai#! #! t"at t"at 2er 2er /- mi33i mi33i# # Ameri'a#! "a2e a FICO !'re 6 488 r 3e!!& T"at i! <4&4 per'e#t 6 t"e adu3t! i# Ameri'a& I# <99; t"e U#ited State! Pu?3i' I#tere!t Re!ear'" Grup Grup reprted t"at 58 per'e#t 6 'redit reprt! '#tai# errr!& O6 t"!e <4 per'e#t "a2e errr! t"at 'a# 'au!e a de#ia3 6 'redit& I# <998 t"e Nati#a3 C#!umer 3a Ce#ter i# a !tudy 'a33ed Autmated I#u!ti'e re3ea!ed i#6rmati# '3aimi#) t"at t"e 3e!t e!timate i#di'ated t"at <4 per'e#t 6 '#!umer! 'redit reprt! '#tai# errr!& T"i! !tati!ti' i#di'ate! t"at !i mi33i# Ameri'a#! p!!e!! !eriu! errr! # t"eir 'redit reprt!& I# a#t"e a#t"err repr reprt t )?y )?y I#tera I#tera'ti 'ti2e 2e 6u#d 6u#d t"at t"at -5 per'e# per'e#tt 6 '#!u '#!umer mer 'redi 'reditt reprt! '#tai#ed errr! a#d 49 per'e#t 6 t"!e errr! 'u3d ?e ea!i3y 'rre'ted& Crre't3y !tated t"ey 'u3d "a2e ?ee# d#e it" a !imp3e '3i'( 6 a ?utt# # a# #3i#e #3i#e di!pute di!pute p3at6rm p3at6rm r t"ey 'u3d 'u3d "a2e ?ee# d#e d#e 'rre' 'rre't3y t3y 6rm t"e !tart& Sad3y t"at i! #t " t"e !y!tem r(!& T"e Nati#a3 Credit Reprti#) Reprti#) A!!'iati# 6u#d t"at <8 per'e#t 6 'redit reprt! am#) t"e ?i) t"ree 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! +Eperia# E=ui6a a#d Tra#! U#i#, "ad a! mu'" a! 49 per'e#t diere#'e diere#'e +r mre, ?etee# t"e "i)"e!t a#d t"e 3e!t !'r !'re& e& It i! a# i#'r i#'red edi? i?3e 3e !tat !tati! i!ti ti' ' a#d a#d it mea# mea#! ! t"at t"at ri)" ri)"tt # # it" it" a33 a33 t"e! t"e!e e !tati! !tati!ti' ti'! ! t"ere t"ere are are #umer #umeru! u! errr! errr! pre!e pre!e#t #t # '#!u '#!umer mer 'redi 'reditt 3e!& 3e!& >"e# >"e# 'rre3ated it" a FICO !'re t"e ee't! 6 t"e!e errr! are 'mpu#ded it" t"e 49 per'e#t 2aria#'e ?etee# '#!umer "i)" a#d 3 !'re!& N #'e yu '#!ider t"e t"e ra#) ra#)e e t"at t"at 'rea 'reate te! ! 6r 6r '#! '#!um umer er! ! 1 49 pi# pi#t! t! 'u3 'u3d d ?e t"e t"e die dierre#'e e#'e i# =ua3i6yi#) 6r a "me a#d ?tai#i#) t"e 3a# t pur'"a!e it ?ei#) ered a 6edera3 ? r #t a#d a#d ! mu'" mre& mre& T"e Federa3 Federa3 Trade Cmmi!!i# i# De'em?er <9$< determi#ed t"at <; per'e#t 6 '#!umer! reprted a materia3 errr # #e r mre 6 t"e ?i) t"ree 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie!& I6 yu 'a3'u3ate t"e )ure! 1 t"ere are apprimate3y <99 mi33i# 'redit repr reprt! t! ma#a)e ma#a)ed d ?y t"e t"e 'redi 'reditt repr reprti# ti#) ) a)e#'i a)e#'ie! e! a#d t"at t"at etra etrap3 p3ate ate! ! t <9 per'e#t "i'" i! /9 mi33i# Ameri'a#!& T"e!e 6rty mi33i# Ameri'a#! # a2era)e "a2e "a2e err errr! r! # t"eir t"eir 'redi 'reditt repr reprt! t! t"at t"at 'u3d 'u3d pte#t pte#tia3 ia33y 3y '!t '!t t"em t"em a 49 pi#t pi#t 2aria#'e ?etee# t"em a#d t"er! it"i# t"e !ame )rup& I6 yu re'a3'u3ate a#d a!!ume t"at #e "a36 6 t"at #um?er i! 'rre't it! !ti33 <9 mi33i# Ameri'a#!& T"!e <9 mi33i# Ameri'a#! are pte#tia3 '3ie#t! 6r yur 'redit repair ?u!i#e!!& It i! a# i#'redi?3e pprtu#ity t )e#erate a 2a!t amu#t 6 re2e#ue "i3e yu "e3p t"er! impr2e t"eir 3i2e!&
I# <9$- a ud)me#t a! i!!ued a)ai#!t E=ui6a 6r t"e !um 6 $7&; mi33i#& Frm <998 t <9$$ Ore)# re!ide#t Ju3ie Mi33er tried mu3tip3e time! t )et "er E=ui6a Credit reprt 'rre'ted& Mi33er r!t ?e'ame aare 6 t"e errr! i# <998 "e# !"e a! de#ied 'redit ?y a 3'a3 ?a#(& S"e re=ue!ted "er 'redit reprt a#d up# re'ei2i#) t"e 'py !"e di!'2ered i#'rre't ide#ti6yi#) i#6rmati# i#'3udi#) !'ia3 !e'urity #um?er a#d ?irt"day a! e33 a! de)radi#) '33e'ti# a''u#t!& S"e '#ta'ted E=ui6a repeated3y t di!pute t"e errr!& Ea'" time !"e a! t3d ?y E=ui6a t"at !"e #eeded t pr2ide 6urt"er i#6rmati#& S"e did& I# <9$9 !"e a! de#ied 'redit a)ai# ?a!ed # "er E=ui6a Credit reprt& S"e '#ti#ued t 3e di!pute! a#d a! t3d "er 3e "ad ?ee# 'm?i#ed it" t"at 6 a#t"er 'reditr& E=ui6a t3d "er !"e u3d "a2e t di!pute t"e a''u#t! it" t"e 'reditr!& Her reputati# a! dama)ed "er pri2a'y a! ?rea'"ed a#d !"ared a#d !"e 3!t pte#tia3 pprtu#itie!& A6ter ei)"t 6ai3ed attempt! t 'rre't "er i#6rmati# !"e 3ed a 3a!uit a)ai#!t E=ui6a i# O't?er <9$$& T"e !uit a! !ett3ed i# "er 6a2r a#d !"e # a# $7&; mi33i# !ett3eme#t a6ter E=ui6a 6ai3ed t 'rre't "er 'redit reprt& It i! t"e r!t !ett3eme#t 6 it! !i.e& T"e!e errr! ere !ma33 a#d 'u3d "a2e ?ee# ea!i3y 'rre'ted& S"e did #t "a2e mar errr! ?ut mu3tip3e !ma33 errr!& It i! #t a #um?er t"at 'rre3ate! t t"e dama)e !"e i#'urred ?ut i! rat"er a !tateme#t t a33 t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! t"at t ma#y Ameri'a# '#!umer! are eperie#'i#) errr! # t"eir 'redit reprt! a#d ?ei#) ad2er!e3y ae'ted ?e'au!e 6 t"e errr!& It ae't! #t #3y "at t"ey 'a# d ?ut a3! pr"i?it! t"em 6rm )etti#) "at t"ey #eed "e# t"ey #eed it& It repre!e#t! a 6ai3ure i# "at t"e 'redit reprti#) !y!tem a! ?ui3t t d&
THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT FCRA! T"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't +FCRA, a! e#a'ted i# $859& T"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't i! t"e 3e)i!3ati# re)u3ate! t"e '33e'ti# di!!emi#ati# a#d u!e 6 '#!umer i#6rmati# i#'3udi#) '#!umer 'redit i#6rmati#& It #t #3y prte't! '#!umer! ri)"t! ?ut a3! pr2ide! t"e re!p#!i?i3itie! 6 a#y a#d a33 'mpa#ie! " uti3i.e '#!umer i#6rmati#& T"i! i#'3ude! 'redit reprti#) 'mpa#ie! a#d 'redit ?ureau! a! e33 a! a#y a)e#'y t"at '33e't! !tre! 'mpi3e! di!!emi#ate! r uti3i.e! 'redit reprt! i#'3udi#) • • • • • •
Emp3yee ?a'()ru#d reprt! Te#a#t !'ree#i#) reprt! I#!ura#'e reprt! Bad '"e'( a#d 2erdra6t reprt! Curt re'rd! C#!umer 'redit Per!#a3 i#6rmati# a#d a#y t"er reprt! re3ated t '#!umer i#6rmati#&
T"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't i#'3ude! t"e!e )uide3i#e! a#d !tate! t"at t"e i#6rmati# '#tai#ed i# '#!umer reprt! mu!t ?e $99 per'e#t 2eria?3e a''urate a#d 6ree 6rm errr& Credit repair ?u!i#e!! r a#y 'mpa#y " u!e! t"i!
i#6rmati# mu!t ?e a?3e t a!( a#d a#!er t"e!e =ue!ti#! KI! it 'rre't Ca# it ?e 2eried Ca# it ?e !u?!ta#tiatedK T"at ?ei#) !aid t"e re)u3atr! " 'reated t"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't i! a3ready de#ed a#d !i)#ed ?y t"e t parti'ipati#) partie!& Rat"er t"e FCRA re)u3atr! a#ted t e#!ure t"at t"e i#6rmati# )at"ered duri#) t"e tra#!a'ti# i! mai#tai#ed a''urate3y ! t"at i6 a 'u!tmer "a! a# i!!ue "e r !"e "a! a !imp3e ay t '"a33e#)e t"e i#6rmati# it"ut umpi#) t"ru)" i##umera?3e "p! t )et 'rre't i#6rmati# # t"e reprt& Prir t $859 t"ere a! # 3e)i!3ati# i# p3a'e t )i2e a '#!umer t"!e prte'ti#! ma(i#) t"i! #e 6 t"e m!t imprta#t pie'e! 6 '#!umer 3e)i!3ati# i# "i!try& T"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't re=uire! $99 per'e#t 2eria?3e i#6rmati# # ?e"a36 6 Ameri'a# '#!umer!& C#!umer! are#t re=uired t ep3ai# 1 KT"e!e d#@t ?e3#) t meK r KIt! #t mi#eK r It! ?ee# paid a! a)reedK ?e'au!e t"e i#6rmati# mu!t 2eried a! a''urate r t"e '#!umer reprti#) a)e#'y i! re=uired t rem2e it 6rm t"e reprt& I6 a# item i! rem2ed it! err#eu!& T"e Fair Credid Reprti#) A't a3! de#e! t"e di!pute pr'e!! 6r '#!umer! 'reditr! a#d t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie!& It e!!e#tia33y de#e! t"e pr'e!! a '#!umer !"u3d 633 t di!pute t"e i#6rmati# dire't3y it" t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie!& T"ru)" t"e ame#dme#t a#d 6a'tr! -$< 1 ;<- t"e FCRA 6urt"er de#e! " '#!umer! 'a# dire't3y e#)a)e t"eir 'reditr! a! e33&
CREDIT REPAIR ORGANI"ATION# ACT CROA! A6ter $859 t"e e#a'tme#t 6 t"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't pr'3aimed t"at '#!umer i#6rmati# "ad t U#6rtu#ate3y t"e pr?3em a! t"at !me ere "a#d3i#) t"e pr'e!! 'rre't3y a#d t"er! ere #t& T"e re!u3t a! t"at ma#y '#!umer! ere ta(e# ad2a#ta)e 6 ?y 3e!! t"a# trut"6u3 prmi!e! 6 re!u3t! t"at ere imp!!i?3e t '#!ta#t3y attai#& Cu!tmer! a#d t"eir 6u#d! ere ?ei#) 'mprmi!ed& I# $88; t"e Federa3 G2er#me#t !tepped i# t prte't '#!umer! ?y e#a'ti#) t"e Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati#! A't +CROAJ& T"i! A't a! e!!e#tia33y a# ete#!i# 6 Tit3e / 6 t"e C#!umer Credit Prte'ti# A't a#d it! i#te#t a! t prte't pr!pe'ti2e ?uyer! 6 'redit repair !er2i'e! 6rm u#6air a#d de'epti2e pra'ti'e!& T"e Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati#! A't a3! pr"i?ited 6raudu3e#t ad2erti!i#) 6rm 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! a#d di!a33ed t"e '33e'ti# 6 6ee! i# ad2a#'e 6 t"e ee'uti# 6 t"e !er2i'e!& Fr '#!umer! a ritte# a)reeme#t 6r 'redit repair !er2i'e! mu!t ?e ee'uted& T"e!e '#tra't! mu!t '#tai# at 3ea!t t item! 1 a #ti'e 6 'a#'e33ati# a#d a !tateme#t immediate3y a?2e r ?e3 t"e !i)#ature 6 t"e a)reeme#t& A3! i#'3uded i! a !e'ti# /94 di!'3!ure "i'" i! t"e 6edera3 di!'3!ure 6 ri)"t!& T"e /94 di!'3!ure !tate! t"at t"e '#!umer 'a# per6rm t"e i#6rmati# di!pute "im!e36 it"ut t"e u!e 6 a 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#& A '3ear de!'ripti# 6 pri'i#) a#d !er2i'e! t ?e re#dered i! re=uired it" ea'" #e '#tra't&
RE$ACTI%E CREDIT REPAIR &EGAC' (ODE& The Method T"e Re1a'ti2e Credit Repair Le)a'y Mde3 i! a /4 day di!pute 'y'3e& I# t"i! mde3 t"e 'redit repair r)a#i.ati# +CRO, prepare! di!pute! a#d i!!ue! t"em t t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! +CRA!,& T"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y a''ept! t"e di!pute a#d i!!ue! a# Autmated C#!umer Di!pute 0eri'ati# 'de +ACD0, ?a!ed # t"eir i#terpretati# ?a!ed # t"eir i#terpretati# 6rm t"e di!pute!& T"e 'reditr #amed i# t"e di!pute re'ei2e! t"e ACD0 t"ru)" E1O!'ar t"e !y!tem p3at6rm u!ed ?y data pr2ider! a#d 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! t 'mmu#i'ate it" #e a#t"er& T"e 'reditr i#2e!ti)ate! t"e di!pute a#d retur#! a re!p#!e 2ia E1O!'ar t t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'y& T"e CRA t"e# update! t"e '#!umer@! 3e a#d !e#d! t"e '#!umer t"e re!u3t! 6 t"e i#2e!ti)ati#& T"e '#!umer re'ei2e! t"e re!u3t! a#d !e#d! t"em t t"e 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#& T"e 'redit repair r)a#i.ati# re'ei2e! t"e re!u3t! update! t"e re!u3t! a#d di!pute! a)ai# i6 #e'e!!ary& I6 #eeded t"e di!pute i33 ?e repeated a#d t"e 'y'3e ?e)i#! a)ai#& Frm t"e 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! per!pe'ti2e t"e CRO i! a3ay! rea'ti#) t a !ituati# t"at "a! ''urred ?a!ed # a# e2e#t t"e CRO i#itiated& I6 t"e 'redit repair r)a#i.ati# !e#d! ut a di!pute # ?e"a36 6 t"e '#!umer t"ey mu!t ait 6r t"e '#!umer t retur# t"e re!u3t! 'reati#) a di!'##e't t"u! t"e #ame Re1a'ti2e Credit Repair& It@! (## a! t"e 'reati#) a di!'##e't t"u! t"e #ame Re1a'ti2e Credit Repair& It@! (## a! t"e 3e)a'y !y!tem& It i! a pr'e!! t"at "a! ?ee# i# p3a'e 6r ma#y year! t"u)" it de! #t prdu'e ptima3 re!u3t! 6r t"e '#!umer&
The Implications He2er t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! d #t re!p#d % at 3ea!t #t a33 t"e time& >"e# t"i! ''ur! t"e '#!umer #r t"e CRO 'a# 2ie t"e re!u3t! 6r t"e ert! ''urri#) -9 day! prir& T"i! 'reate! a pr?3em it" yur '3ie#t! t"e '#!umer! " "3d yu re!p#!i?3e 6r t"e re!u3t! t"ey 'a##t yet !ee& It 6 'ur!e de! #t mea# yu did#t per6rm t"e !er2i'e ?ut !imp3y t"at yu d#t "a2e a''e!! t t"e re!u3t!& I# !me 'a!e! t"e CRA! i33 #t !e#d i#2e!ti)ati# re!u3t! ?a'( t t"e '#!umer& T"irty t /9 per'e#t 6 t"e time # re!u3t! are retur#ed& T"i! i! #t #e'e!!ari3y a# i#di'atr t"at t"e i#2e!ti)ati# i!#t ee'uted ?ut t"at t"ey did #t !e#d t"e re!u3t!& Ot"er time! t"ey d#@t i#2e!ti)ate t"ey retur# 6ri23u! re!p#!e! r t"ey re=ue!t pr6 6 ID !'ia3 !e'urity #um?er a#d addre!!& I# t"er i#!ta#'e! t"e '#!umer re'ei2e! a re!u3t ?ut de! #t !e#d t"e re!u3t! t t"e 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#& I# t"i! 'a!e t"e 'u!tmer re'ei2e! "i! r "er re!u3t! 6rm t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y i# t"e Re1a'ti2e Credit Repair !'e#ari a#d 6ai3! t retur# t"em t t"e CRO& T"i! 'reate! a pr?3em ?e'au!e t"ey #@t ?e a?3e t !ee t"e re!u3t! t"e 633i#) m#t" 1 ?e'au!e t"ey "e3d #t t"e reprt!& >e33 u#3e!! t"e CRO i! a?3e t 2ie t"eir 'redit m#itri#) a''u#t +i6 t"ey "a2e #e, # re!u3t! 'a# ?e pr2ided ma(i#) t"i! a rea'ti2e p!ture&
A! me#ti#ed t"e CRA! !e#d 6ri23u! re=ue!t! a#d app3y !ta33 ta'ti'!& T"ey '#ti#ua33y re=ue!t! pr6 6 ide#ti'ati# pr6 6 !'ia3 !e'urity #um?er pr6 6 addre!! a#d t"er dup3i'itu! re=ue!t!& I# m!t 'a!e! it i! ?e!t 6r CRO! t !e#d a3#) it" e2ery di!pute t"e!e item! 1 pr6 6 ID pr6 6 !'ia3 !e'urity #um?er a#d pr6 6 addre!!& U#6rtu#ate3y t"e CRA! are eit"er #t 3(i#) at t"e!e d'ume#t! r prete#di#) t"ey did#@t arri2e it" t"e di!pute! ?e'au!e t"ey u!t !e#d ?a'( mre 6ri23u! re!p#!e! 1 i#=uiri#) 6r #e di!pute t"e!e item! 1 pr6 6 ID pr6 6 !'ia3 !e'urity #um?er a#d pr6 6 addre!!& Si#'e t"e di!pute 'y'3e ta(e! /4 day! t"ere are additi#a3 imp3i'ati#! parti'u3ar3y i6 yu are i# t"e tp t 'redit repair dem)rap"i'! 1 Ca3i6r#ia a#d Tea!& I# Ca3i6r#ia t"ere i! a ma#datry !i m#t" maimum '#tra't perid "i'" mea#! yu 'a##t '#ti#ue t d ?u!i#e!! it" a 'u!tmer pa!t t"e !i m#t" time 6rame u#der t"e i#itia3 '#tra't "i'" 3imit! yur #um?er 6 di!pute! t"at 'a# ?e made # ?e"a36 6 yur 'u!tmer& I6 yu di!pute mre t"a# e2ery -9 day! yu33 ?e)i# re'ei2i#) 6ri23u! re!p#!e! mre 6re=ue#t3y ?e'au!e 6 t"e time 6rame i#232ed ?e'au!e t"e CRA! re=uire -9 day! t per6rm t"eir i#2e!ti)ati#& I6 yu #3y di!pute #'e e2ery /4 day! r 6ur time! i# a !i m#t" perid yu i33 "a2e a dimi#i!"ed 'apa'ity t a'"ie2e re!u3t! 6r t"at 'u!tmer 1 a?ut -9 t /9 per'e#t ?e'au!e 6 t"e 3imited di!pute! p!!i?3e& T"i! i# tur# i#'rea!e! t"e '!t 6 di#) ?u!i#e!! i# Ca3i6r#ia& I6 yu are # a m#t"3y mde3 a#d 'a##t pre!e#t t"e re!u3t! prmi!ed 6r yur 'u!tmer! yur 'u!tmer rete#ti# i33 drp& I6 yure # a pay1per1de3ete mde3 yu i33 #t ?e a?3e t )e#erate e#u)" pay1per1de3ete re2e#ue i# t"at '#de#!ed amu#t 6 time& I# additi# t"e '#!umer i33 a#t t ta(e t"e ea!ie!t rute "i'" i! !'a##i#) i# d'ume#t! a#d !e#di#) t"em t yu a! ima)e! 1 a p) a p#) a ti r pd6 6rmat& Yu i33 "a2e t '#2ert t"e d'ume#t! t t"e prper 6rmat ! yu 'a# u!e t"em& Yu may a3! re'ei2e a# i#apprpriate d'ume#t r pr6 6 d'ume#t 'reati#) 6urt"er pr?3em!& T"i! data !e#t ?y t"e '3ie#t 'a##t ?e 'pied a#d pa!ted 6rm # a !'a##ed ima)e "i'" mea#! e2ery !i#)3e e#try yu are updati#) i33 #eed t ?e read a#d ma#ua33y i#put& I6 t"e d'ume#tati# i! a ti d'ume#t r a p) yu #@t e2e# ?e a?3e t 'py a#d pa!te a''u#t #um?er!& A33 6 t"i! i#'rea!e! yur '"a#'e! 6 errr! ma(i#) mi!ta(e! i# data e#try r "a#dritte# re'rdi#) !y!tem!& Ca# #e impr2e e'ie#'y t"e# it" re)ard! t Re1a'ti2e Credit Repair Ye! a?!3ute3y ?y !imp3y u!i#) Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair&
PRO$ACTI%E CREDIT REPAIR The Method Be'au!e Pr1A'ti2e Credit repair i! t"e ?e!t met"d a2ai3a?3e t Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati#! t"ere are 6eer !tep! i# t"e pr'e!! ma(i#) it !imp3er a#d redu'i#) t"e pr?a?i3ity 6 mi!ta(e! t"ere?y i#'rea!i#) p!iti2e re!u3t!& Pr1A'ti2e Credit
repair ?e)i#! t"e !ame a! Re1A'ti2e Credit Repair it" t"e riti#) 6 di!pute! 6r t"e '3ie#t a#d t"eir !u?mi!!i#& T"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! t"e# a!!i)# t"e ACD0 a#d !e#d t"e di!pute #t t"e 'reditr it" t"e ACD0 t"ru)" t"e E1O!'ar& T"e 'reditr i#2e!ti)ate! a#d retur#! a re!p#!e t t"e CRA& T"e CRA update! t"e '#!umer! 3e& T"e diere#'e 'me! # "e# t"e CRO 3)! i#t t"e '3ie#t! 'redit m#itri#) !er2i'e t !ee t"e re!u3t! # t"e -9t" day& T"e CRA update! t"e re!u3t! 6r t"e '3ie#t! a#d re!u?mit! di!pute! a! #e'e!!ary& T"e re!u3t! are ritte# a#d pri#ted #'e a)ai# a3#) it" a#y #e di!pute! re=uired&
The Implications T"e diere#'e i# Pr1A'ti2e Credit repair i! t"at a! a CRO yu are #t i# a rea'ti2e p!ture ?ut i# a pra'ti2e p!ture ?e'au!e t"e '3ie#t "a! a 'redit m#itri#) !er2i'e t "i'" yu "a2e a''e!!& T"i! ma(e! t"e pr'e!! !trai)"t6rard a! yu 'a# 3) i#t yur 'u!tmer! a''u#t! e2ery -9 day! a#d update di!pute! autmati'a33y& Yu d #t "a2e t ait 6r yur 'u!tmer! t pr2ide #eeded i#6rmati# a#d yur 'u!tmer! d #t "a2e t pr2ide it !i#'e yu "a2e a''e!! autmati'a33y t 'rre'ti#! t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! are ma(i#) a! yu #eed t"em& >it" Pr1 a'ti2e Credit Repair t"e pr'e!! i! !tream3i#ed )i2i#) yu t"e a''e!! a#d '#tr3 yu #eed t d t"e ?e!t ? p!!i?3e& I# t"e ear3ier eamp3e it" t"e 'u!tmer 6rm Ca3i6r#ia a ma#datry !i m#t" e#)a)eme#t !tate yu i33 ?e a?3e t de3i2er di!pute! i# a33 !i m#t"! it" t"e -9 day 'y'3e 6 Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair& T"i! mea#! yu 'a# de3i2er )reater e'ie#'y t yur '3ie#t rem2i#) di!puted item! a! #e'e!!ary& Yur pr?a?i3ity 6 !u''e!! i#'rea!e! it" t"e -9 day 'y'3e a#d t"e dire't 'redit reprt a''e!! 2ia t"e 'redit m#itri#) !er2i'e& T"i! i! paramu#t t yur !u''e!! ?e'au!e it e#a?3e! yur 'u!tmer! t !ee t"e re!u3t! =ui'(3y a#d ea!i3y& T"ere are # '3ie#t up!et! due t u#epe'ted de3ay!& Yur 'u!tmer! "a2e "i)" epe'tati#! 6r yur a?i3ity t per6rm a! prmi!ed a#d it" Pr1A'ti2e Credit repair yu 'a# de3i2er& T"e pr?a?i3ity 6 de3ete repair! i#'rea!e! ?y -9 t /9 per'e#t a#d yur '!t 6 di#) ?u!i#e!! i! de'rea!ed& Yu i33 a'"ie2e t"e re!u3t! prmi!ed t yur '3ie#t! a#d retai# mre 'u!tmer! it" t"i! m#t"3y mde3 parti'u3ar3y i6 yu are # a pay1per1de3ete mde3& >it" Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair yu i33 ?e a?3e t i#'rea!e yur di!pute re'ei2a?3e! it"i# t"e r!t !i m#t"! a#d t"e #3y additi#a3 '!t t"at yur 'u!tmer i#'ur! i! a !u?!'ripti# t a 'redit m#itri#) !er2i'e t"ru)"ut t"e pr'e!!&
CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIE# AND THE PROCE##ING OF DI#PUTE#
It i! imperati2e a! a Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# t"at yu a#d yur team u#der!ta#d " 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! pr'e!! di!pute!& A di!pute 3etter i! prepared a#d de3i2ered t t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y& O#'e it arri2e! t"e di!pute 3etter i! pe#ed ?y a ma'"i#e t"at rem2e! t"e 3etter 6rm t"e e#2e3pe a#d p3a'e! it # a '#2eyr "i'" t"e# 6eed! t"e di!pute i#t a !'a##er a3#)!ide it! e#2e3pe& T"e
!'a##er 'apture! a# ima)e 6 t"e di!pute 3etter a#d t"e e#2e3pe prdu'i#) a# ima)e& It t"e# attempt! t per6rm pti'a3 '"ara'ter re')#iti# r OCR& OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION OCR '#2ert! pri#ted r "a#dritte# materia3 t tet 3e! t"at 'a# ?e edited 2ia !6tare a#d !tred i# mu'" 3e!! !pa'e t"a# t"e ri)i#a3 d'ume#t +i# t"i! 'a!e t"e 3etter a#d e#2e3pe,& T"e !'a##er ?rea(! d# t"e type i#t a ?itmap a#d t"e# tra#!3ate! t"e ?itmap i#t 'mputer tet& >"i3e t"e pr'e!! )e#era33y r(! e33 6r 6#t! it 3a'(! i# t"e re')#iti# 6 "a#driti#) a#d "a#driti#) 6#t!& T"e OCR may !u''eed at readi#) a#d '#2erti#) t"e 3etter r it may #t& I6 t"e di!pute 3etter i! 6u#d t ?e a 6rm Letter r a temp3ate a 3etter d#3aded 6rm t"e i#ter#et r t"er !6tare it i33 ?e deemed a Kmat'"K ?y t"e !y!tem a#d !u?!e=ue#t3y t"e 3etter a! 6ri23u!& I6 t"e tet i! u#i=ue t"e di!pute! 3i!ted are 'aptured ?y t"e OCR a#d 'ate)ri.ed i#ter#a33y !tri#) t"e date 6r 'urre#t a#d 6uture u!e& A6ter t"e 'apture 6 t"e di!puted i#6rmati# i! 'mp3eted a#d !tred i# t"e i#ter#a3 !y!tem t"e !y!tem i33 i#itiate a# i#2e!ti)ati# 2ia E1O!'ar& E!!e#tia33y t"e !y!tem "a! autmati'a33y etruded t"e data i#terpreted t"e data a#d prdu'ed a# ACD0& At t"i! pi#t it i!!ue! a# i#2e!ti)ati# dire't3y t t"e 'reditr e3e'tr#i'a33y& T"e e#tire pr'e!! i! 'mp3ete3y autmated& T"e 'mputer read! a#d i#terpret! t"e 3etter a#d OCR i! !u''e!!6u3 it" # "uma# i#tera'ti#& I6 "a#dritte# di!pute! r !me t"er u#'#2e#ti#a3 met"d! are u!ed #e u3d a!!ume t"!e di!pute! u3d ?e "a#d3ed ?y a "uma# ?ei#) ?ut t"e rea3ity i! t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! "a2e # i#te#ti# 6 t"at ''urri#)& T"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! i#te#ti# i! t pr'e!! a33 6 t"eir di!pute! e3e'tr#i'a33y& T"ey "a2e i#2e!ted !u?!ta#tia33y i# t"e!e OCR te'"#3)ie! i# rder t 'reate a# autmated pr'e!!&
The Issues of OCR T"i! i! t"e pi#t "ere t"e pr?3em! ?e)i# 1 at t"e data 6ur#i!"er 3e2e3& It i! t"e p3a'e t"at errr! ?e)i#& Pep3e 1 u!t addi#) i#6rmati# di#) i#=uire! r i#putti#) i#6rmati# duri#) 3a# pr'e!!i#) r i#6rmati# re=ue!t! a#d pu33i#) 'redit reprt!& I#6rmati# i! e#tered i#'rre't3y at t"e pi#t 6 i#'epti# a#d t"e pr?3em! ?e)i#& T"e errr! are t"e# pr3i6erated ?y retrie2a3 6 a# imper6e't data e#try& Later attempt! t 'rre't t"e data are per6rmed i# a# autmated !y!tem 'reati#) t"e !e'#d pr?3em&
CON#U(ER UNDER#TANDING AND (I#UNDER#TANDING#
False Expectations
C#!umer! d #t u#der!ta#d t"e pr'e!!& T"ey are 6u33 6 6a3!e epe'tati#! "i'" ?e'me ?2iu! "e# t"ey arri2e i# yur 'e a#d pre!e#t t"eir =ue!ti#! ue!ti# O#e % H 3#) i33 t"i! ta(e ue!ti# T % I! 'redit repair 3e)a3 ue!ti# T"ree % H mu'" de! 'redit repair '!t • • •
T"e!e are i#e2ita?3y t"e r!t t"ree =ue!ti#! 6 e2ery pte#tia3 '3ie#t& Yur ? i! t ep3ai# t"e pr'e!! it" u#der!ta#di#) a#d )ai# "i! r "er tru!t& Pte#tia3 'u!tmer! mi!u#der!ta#d "at t"e di!pute pr'e!! attempt! t a''mp3i!" % t"e " a#d "y& T"ey ?e3ie2e t"e pr'e!! i! riddi#) #e)ati2e item! 6rm t"e 'redit reprt a#d di!puti#) #e)ati2e item! t ma(e t"e 'redit reprt per6e't& T"at i! "at m!t pep3e t"i#( "e# t"ey "ear t"e term 'redit repair a#d 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#& I# rea3ity 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! are t"e 'u!tdia#! 6 t"e 'redit reprt& Yu 'a# #3y prmi!e 'u!tmer! t"at yu i33 d yur ?e!t a#d t"at yu i33 !ati!6y t"at prmi!e e2ery time&
THE CU#TODIAN# OF THE CREDIT REPORT I# t"e 'redit repair ?u!i#e!! t"e )a3 i! t pr2ide 'u!tmer !ati!6a'ti#& Sati!ed 'u!tmer! are "appy t 'mpe#!ate 6r a ? e33 d#e a#d re6er #e '3ie#t! t yur 'mpa#y& T"e# t"e pr'e!! ?e)i#! a #e& U#6rtu#ate3y 'u!tmer! a#d e2e# !me emp3yee! i# 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! ?e3ie2e t"e 'redit repair ?u!i#e!! '#!i!t! 6 de3eti#) r repairi#) #e)ati2e item! # '#!umer 'redit reprt! ?ut #3y t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! 'a# d t"at& CRO! d #t de3ete r repair ?ut i#!ure t"at ea'" '#!umer! 'redit 3e i! $99 per'e#t 2eria?3e a#d 6ree 6 errr& It i! imprta#t t"at 'redit repair pr6e!!i#a3! i#6rm t"e pu?3i' a#d i# parti'u3ar 'u!tmer! 6 t"i! i#6rmati#& T"e idea3 time i! duri#) t"e i#itia3 '#!u3tati#& E2ery#e #eed! t u#der!ta#d t"e ?rad !tr(e! 6 t"e 3a a! e33 a! "y t"i! !er2i'e i! a2ai3a?3e a#d "at i! permi!!i?3e a#d " i! e3i)i?3e t per6rm t"e!e !er2i'e! 3e)a33y& T"i! i! e!pe'ia33y imprta#t i6 yu are i# a 3i'e#!ed a#d ?#ded !tate& C#!umer! !"u3d u#der!ta#d t"at data 6ur#i!"er! are re!p#!i?3e t 2eri6y a#d 2a3idate i#6rmati# a! e33 a! per6rm i#2e!ti)ati#! # t"e 2era'ity 6 item! # t"e 'redit reprt "e# t"e '#!umer i#tera't! it" t"em +?a!ed # ;<- a#d -$< FCRA ame#dme#t <9$9,& I6 '#!umer! are #t i#6rmed t"ey de2e3p a 6a3!e !e#!e 6 !e'urity 'up3ed it" mi!u#der!ta#di#)! 6 t"e 'redit repair pr'e!! a#d t"ey i33 attempt t "3d yu 3ia?3e t "at t"ey ?e3ie2e t ?e 'rre't& >"e# yu prper3y edu'ate yur 'u!tmer! t"ey i33 u#der!ta#d t"at yur 'redit repair r)a#i.ati# i! a 'u!tdia# 6 t"eir 'redit reprt& Yu are eami#i#) '#!umer 'redit reprt! a#d yur )a3 i! t ma(e !ure t"e reprt i! 'rre't& Yu 2eri6y t"at t"eir uti3i.ati# rati! are apprpriate a#d i6 #t yu i33 ad2i!e t"em a''rdi#)3y&
CREDIT REPORT %IO&ATION# T"ere are a#y #um?er 6 'redit reprt 2i3ati#! t"at mi)"t appear # a '#!umer 'redit reprt ari!i#) 6rm t"e Credit Bureau Ori)i#a3 Creditr C33e'ti# A)e#'y FCRA FDCPA& • • • • •
>it"i# t"e!e 2i3ati#! are errr! !u'" a! >i336u33y r re'(3e!!3y reprti#) 6a3!e i#6rmati# Err#eu! date 6 3a!t de3i#=ue#'y I#a''urate !tatu! 6 3a!t a'ti2ity I#'rre't ?a3a#'e Impre'i!e !tatu! I#a''urate remar(! Mi!ta(e# 3ate pay! A#d t"er 'mm# errr!& • • • • • • • •
Reinsertion Rei#!erti# i! 6te# me#ti#ed # t"i! 3i!t t"u)" t"ey are rare ''urre#'e!& A rei#!erti# re=uire! a 2e ?u!i#e!! day ad2i!ry 6rm t"e CRA !e#t t t"e '#!umer t"at t"e item i33 ?e re1i#!erted& >"i3e rei#!erti# i! 2ery rare it i! 'mm# t"at de?t! are ?ei#) re!3d a#d '#!umer! a#d 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! a!!umi#) it t ?e a rei#!erti#& It "appe#! 6re=ue#t3y it" '33e'ti# a)e#'ie! i#'3udi#) NCO Grup a#d FINA& FINA "a! 88 'rprati#! re!e33i#) '33e'ti# de?t 6rm #e 'rprati# t t"e #et& O# a '#!umer 'redit reprt it appear! t ?e t"e !ame '33e'ti# a)e#'y ?ut it i! #t& T"e #ame a#dr t"e a''u#t #um?er '"a#)e! r !metime! ?t"& It 6te# appear! t"at t"e de?t i! rem2ed a#d t"e# rei#!erted ?ut it i! a'tua33y de?t! ?ei#) !3d 6rm #e '33e'ti# a)e#'y 'rprati# t a#t"er
Failure to Respond Fai3ure t re!p#d it"i# -9 day! i! a#t"er 'mm# errr& I6 yu "a2e a 'urre#t '#!umer 'redit reprt 6rm a##ua3 'reditreprt&'m t"e re!p#!e a33tted i! /4 day!& T"ere i! e2e# a 49 day ete#!i# "i'" 'a# ?e a33tted i6 additi#a3 i#6rmati# "a! ?ee# pr2ided ?y t"e '#!umer duri#) t"e di!pute pr'e!!& Qeep t"i! i# mi#d i6 t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y de!#@t re=ue!t it d#@t 23u#tari3y !e#d it&
Reporting a Bankruptcy Too Long T"e time 3imit 6r reprti#) a ?a#(rupt'y i! $9 year! a#d a 'mm# errr i! 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! t reprt a ?a#(rupt'y 6r 3#)er t"a# $9 year!&
Reporting a aid Tax Lien Too Long Ju!t 3i(e ?a#(rupt'ie! paid ta 3ie#! 'a# #3y remai# # a 'redit reprt 6r !e2e# year! 6rm t"e date 6 payme#t& T"ere are e'epti#!& Fr eamp3e i# Ca3i6r#ia ?t" paid a#d u#paid ta 3ie#! 'a# remai# # a reprt 6r $9 year! a#d i# Ne Yr( t"e !tatute 6 3imitati#! i! 3e!! t"a# !e2e# year!& Ea'" !tate "a! diere#t )uide3i#e! a#d t"!e )uide3i#e! are !u?e't t '"a#)e ma(i#) it imprta#t t (# updated !tatute! i# ea'" !tate& Fr a 6edera3 ta 3ie# t"e IRS imp3eme#ted #e )uide3i#e! i# <9$$ (## a! t"e Fre!" Start Pr)ram t"at "e3p! yu "e3p yur 'u!tmer! 3e 6r a rem2a3& A# a)reeme#t 'a# ?e made =ui'(3y a#d !ett3ed i# a !i#)3e day& It 'a# ?e made i# t"e 6rm 6 a# er t pay eit"er a 'mp3ete er r 'mprmi!e 3i(e a !ett3eme#t& It 'a# a3! ?e made i# t"e 6rm 6 a payme#t p3a# a#d #'e t"e IRS a''ept! t"e payme#t p3a# t"e '#!umer #3y #eed! t ma(e t"ree payme#t! t"ru)" a dedi'ated dire't de?it i#'me a''u#t +DDIA,& O#'e t"ey ma(e t"ree payme#t! t"ey 'a# 3e 6r a# IRS Fre!" Start Ta Lie# Rem2a3 t"ru)" Frm $<<55 6r rem2a3 6 t"e 3ie# 6rm t"e 'redit reprt& A! a 'redit repair pr6e!!i#a3 yu 'a# ?tai# mre i#6rmati# at IRS&)2 r S'reay U#i2er!ity& T"i! i! a 2a3ua?3e additi#a3 !er2i'e 6r "i'" t ?i33 yur 'u!tmer!&
Failure to !pdate Report Fai3i#) t update a reprt i! a3! 2ery 'mm#& It 6te# i#232e! a# a''u#t !tatu! t"at a! i#'3uded i# a ?a#(rupt'y "ere t"e !tatu! a#d t"e ?a3a#'e are #t di!'"ar)ed r "a2e a .er ?a3a#'e&
Failure to ro"ide Re#uested Information Credit reprti#) a)e#'ie! !"u3d pr2ide i6 re=ue!ted at t"e 2eri'ati# a met"d 6 2eri'ati# +MO0, i#'3udi#) rea3 #ame addre!! p"#e #um?er! a#d additi#a3 data 6ur#i!"er! i#6rmati# it"i# $4 day! 6 yur i#itia3 re=ue!t&
Reporting a Collection or Charge o$ Too Long Reprti#) a '33e'ti# r a '"ar)e 3#)er t"a# !e2e# year! 6rm t"e date 6 t"e 3a!t de3i#=ue#'y a'ti2ity i! a#t"er 'mm# errr& T"i! ''ur! "e# '33e'ti# a)e#'ie! pur'"a!e a de?t 'reati#) a #e a''u#t it" a #e pe# date& T"e date i#'3uded !"u3d ?e t"e 3a!t date 6 de3i#=ue#'y 6 t"e ri)i#a3 'reditr& I#!tead t"e '33e'ti# a)e#'y put! i# t"e date t"ey e#tered i#t E1O!'ar a! t"e #e date 6 3a!t de3i#=ue#'y& >"at de! t"i! mea# 6r yur 'u!tmer Fr eamp3e '#!ider a 'redit 'ard t"at i! !i year! 6rm t"e 3a!t date 6 de3i#=ue#'y "e# it a! reprted ?y t"e ri)i#a3 'reditr& N t"e '33e'ti# a)e#'y pur'"a!e! t"e de?t a#d a33t! ye!terday@! date a! t"e #e date 6 3a!t de3i#=ue#'y& T"i! ?2iu!3y # ard! t"em !e2e# year!
6rm t"at day t '33e't t"e a''u#t& T"ey "a2e re1a)ed t"e a''u#t a#d yur 'u!tmer 'a# 3itera33y "a2e a# a''u#t ae'ti#) "i! r "er 'redit 6r !i p3u! !e2e# a3m!t $- year!& It i! a ?i) 'redit repair 2i3ati# a#d #e t"at ''ur! 6re=ue#t3y&
Failure to %otate a &ispute Fai3i#) t #tate a# item # yur 'u!tmer@! 'redit reprt t"at i! u#der di!pute a6ter a 'reditr r a de?t '33e'tr "a! reprted it i! a#t"er 'mm# 2i3ati#& It i! (## i# t"e trade a! a# E7 errr&
Ignoring an In"estigation Re#uest I)#ri#) a# i#2e!ti)ati# re=ue!t ''ur! =uite 6re=ue#t3y& Yu !e#d di!pute 3etter! # ?e"a36 6 yur 'u!tmer a#d #t"i#) "appe#!& Yur met"d 6 2eri'ati# yur de?t 2a3idati# yur )d i33 3etter a#d yur #a#'ia3 "ard!"ip 3etter "a2e a33 6ai3ed t ?e a'ted up#& >"at "appe#ed >e33 #t"i#) "appe#ed& Remem?er ma'"i#e! are ma#a)i#) t"e re=ue!t! a#d it i! p!!i?3e t"at yur re=ue!t a! de!tryed i# t"e 6eeder t"e '#2eyr r 6r !me rea!# 6ai3ed t ?e read& It may "appe# a''ide#ta33y r t"ru)" # 6au3t 6 yur # ?ut it i! !ti33 a 2i3ati# ?y t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y&
'illfully and Recklessly Reporting False Information >i336u33y a#d re'(3e!!3y reprti#) 6a3!e i#6rmati# t t"e 'redit ?ureau! a6ter ?ei#) #tied 6 a reprti#) errr a#d 6ai3i#) t i#2e!ti)ate r 'rre't t"e errr i! t"e m!t 'mm#& It i! a3! a 2i3ati# t"at 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! 6te# ?3ame # autmati# a#d te'"#3)y&
Reporting Charge(O$ )ccounts *ithout Reference to the &ate of Last )cti"ity Reprti#) '"ar)e1 a''u#t! it"ut re6ere#'e t t"e date 6 3a!t a'ti2ity i! e!!e#tia33y attempti#) t re1a)e a''u#t!&
Failure +y a Collection )gency to Report )ccurately an )ccount &isputed By Consumer Fai3ure t reprt a# a''u#t di!puted ?y '#!umer a! di!puted t t"e 'redit ?ureau! i! imprta#t ?e'au!e i6 t"e 'redit ?ureau! d#t reprt a# a''u#t a! ?ei#) di!puted it i! a 2i3ati#& O#'e yu2e !e#t a de?t 2a3idati# 3etter r a 2eri'ati# 3etter t a '33e'ti# a)e#'y it !"u3d #t ?e reprted a! di!puted t t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! a''rdi#) t t"e Fair De?t C33e'ti# Pra'ti'e! A't& O#'e yu !e#d a di!pute a 2a3idati# re=ue!t t a '33e'ti# a)e#'y t"e# 6r a perid 6 -9 t"ey are #t !upp!ed t ta3( t a#y t"ird partie! i#'3udi#) t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! re)ardi#) t"e a''u#t&
Failing To &elete a ,ard In#uiry That ,ad %o ermissi+le urpose Fai3i#) t de3ete a "ard i#=uiry t"at "ad # permi!!i?3e purp!e i! ide!pread& Permi!!i?3e purp!e i! t"e permi!!i# r ai2er t"at '#!umer! !i)# "e#e2er a# item i! pur'"a!ed # 'redit a "me a 'ar r a per!#a3 3a# r a 'redit 'ard& T"e '#!umer !i)#! )i2i#) t"at 'mpa#y r t"at ?a#( t"e a?i3ity a#d t"e permi!!i# +t"e permi!!i?3e purp!e, t a''e!! a 'redit reprt 6r t"e purp!e 6 appr2i#) a pur'"a!i#) r ?tai#i#) a 3a#&
Transferring or -elling an )ccount to another Company *ithout Reporting the Transfer and .ero Balance Tra#!6erri#) r !e33i#) a# a''u#t t a#t"er 'mpa#y it"ut reprti#) t"e tra#!6er a#d .er ?a3a#'e ''ur! 6re=ue#t3y& O#e a)e#'y !e33! t a#t"er # t"e 'redit reprt !"! t a''u#t! it" ?a3a#'e! i#!tead 6 #e a#d ?t" a''u#t! pr?a?3y ree't i#'rre't i#6rmati#& A #um?er 6 ?i) ?a#(! !e33 a''u#t!& I# <9$- a tra#!a'ti# ?etee# Ba#( 6 Ameri'a a#d C"a!e 'au!ed a ma!! 6 errr! # 'u!tmer 'redit reprt! 6r m#t"! ?e6re it a! 'rre'ted&
Reporting Charge(O$ )ccounts *ithout Reference to the &ate of Last )cti"ity Reprti#) '"ar)e1 a''u#t! it"ut re6ere#'e t t"e date 6 3a!t a'ti2ity i! e!!e#tia33y attempti#) t re1a)e a''u#t!&
Failing to /alidate the &e+t in 0uestion *hile Continuing Further )cti"ity Fai3i#) t 2a3idate t"e de?t i# =ue!ti# "i3e '#ti#ui#) 6urt"er '33e'ti# a'ti2ity i! a 'mm# FDCPA 2i3ati#& Fai3i#) t 2a3idate a#y de?t i# =ue!ti# "i3e '#ti#ui#) 6urt"er '33e'ti# a'ti2ity #'e a de?t 2a3idati# 3etter i! !e#t t a '33e'ti# a)e#'y i! a 2i3ati# re=uiri#) t"e '33e'ti# a)e#'y t 'ea!e a#d de!i!t& T"ey 'a##t '#ti#ue a#y type 6 '33e'ti# a'ti2ity r pr2ide i#6rmati# t -rd partie! 6r a perid 6 -9 day!& I6 t"ey '#ti#ue t"ey are i# 2i3ati# 6 t"e Fair De?t C33e'ti# Pra'ti'e! A't&
Reporting a Late ayment 'hen Collection )ccounts )re Closed Reprti#) a 3ate payme#t "e# '33e'ti# a''u#t! are '3!ed i! a# FCRA 0i3ati# ?e'au!e a '3!ed a''u#t 'a##t ?e 3ate&
/erifying an )ccount *ith a Credit Bureau Before the Re#uest of /alidation ,as Been Completed 0eri6yi#) a#y a''u#t it" a 'redit ?ureau ?e6re t"e re=ue!t 6 2a3idati# "a! ?ee# 'mp3eted i! a 'mm# 2i3ati#& I6 a 3etter i! !e#t t t"e '33e'ti# a)e#'y r t"e di!pute dire't3y t t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y i33 try t 2eri6y t"!e a''u#t! it" t"e '33e'ti# a)e#'y& Le)a33y t"eyre #t !upp!ed t a#!er ?ut t"e 2i3ati# 6 t"e Fair De?t C33e'ti# Pra'ti'e! 2i3ati# 'me! "e# t"ey d&
CON#IDER THE #TATI#TIC#
U#der!ta#di#) a33 t"e!e 2i3ati#! t"at appear # '#!umer 'redit reprt! '3ear3y dem#!trate! t"at t"e Ameri'a# C#!umer #eed! t"e !er2i'e! t"at Credit Repair Cmpa#ie! pr2ide& T"u)" t"e Federa3 Trade Cmmi!!i# +FTC, a#d t"e ?i) t"ree 'redit ?ureau! +E=ui6a Eperia# U#der!ta#di#) a33 t"e!e 2i3ati#! t"at appear # '#!umer 'redit reprt! '3ear3y dem#!trate! t"at t"e Ameri'a# C#!umer #eed! t"e !er2i'e! t"at Credit Repair Cmpa#ie! pr2ide& T"u)" t"e Federa3 Trade Cmmi!!i# +FTC, a#d t"e ?i) t"ree 'redit ?ureau! +E=ui6a Eperia# a#d Tra#! U#i#, de#y t"at #eed ?ut !tati!ti'! rei#6r'e t"e #eed 6r Credit Repair Cmpa#ie!& C#!ider t"e!e !tati!ti'! T"e Federa3 Trade Cmmi!!i# eami#ed -999 '#!umer 'redit reprt! a#d 6u#d t"at <$ per'e#t "ad a '#rmed materia3 errr& Furt"er i#2e!ti)ati# re2ea3ed t"at 4 per'e#t 6 t"e ri)i#a3 -999 re2ieed "ad errr! !i)#i'a#t e#u)" t '"a#)e t"eir 'redit ri!( pr3e!& Mre t"a# <99 mi33i# Ameri'a#! u!e 'redit reprt! "i'" mea#! /9 mi33i# Ameri'a#! "a2e errr! t"at 'u3d !i)#i'a#t3y ae't t"e reprt +etrap3ati#) t"e e!timate! 6rm t"e <9 per'e#t 6 t"e FTC -999 'redit reprt!,& E2e# i6 yu '"!e t u!e t"e 2e per'e#t )ure yu #d t"at i! $9 mi33i# pep3e it" errr! # t"eir reprt!& Te#ty16ur per'e#t 6 '#!umer! "a2e di!puted a ?a3a#'e # t"eir 'redit reprt!& •
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Eamp3e Mr& Be33 Jee3ry Stre O#er " pay! "i! mrt)a)e # time e2ery !i#)3e m#t"& He di!'2er! t"e mrt)a)e 'mpa#y "a! re'rded a mrt)a)e payme#t "e made # time 3ate +?y mi!ta(e,& He ?ru)"t t"e errr t t"eir atte#ti# a#d #tied a33 t"e 'redit ?ureau! 6 t"e errr& T"e mrt)a)e a''u#t a! !ti33 reprted a! 3ate ! "e pr'eed! t rite 3etter! 6 ep3a#ati# t t"e 'redit ?ureau! e#'3!i#) a 'py 6 "i! '"e'( a#d t"er !upprti#) d'ume#tati#& T"e 'redit ?ureau! re6u!e t a'(#3ed)e "i! 'a!e a#d "e 'a##t =ua3i6y t re#a#'e "i! "u!e at t"e 'urre#t 3 rate& Mr& Be33 i! a# eamp3e 6 #umeru! '#!umer! 3i#) di!pute! a#d 6ai3i#) t )et t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! t 'rre't "i! 'redit reprt!& •
;9 Mi#ute! aired a !e)me#t i# <9$< a?ut t"e 'redit reprti#) i#du!try t"at depi'ted di!tur?i#) 3e2e3! 6 i#a''urate i#6rmati# # 'redit reprt! a! e33 a! a# i#du!try di!pute !y!tem 6r '#!umer! t"at i! ?e!t de!'ri?ed a! Qa6(ae!=ue +#i)"tmari!"3y 'mp3e ?i.arre r i33)i'a3 =ua3ity,& T"i! #e! reprt re3ated !trie! 6 per!i!te#t '#!umer! armed i33)i'a3 =ua3ity,& T"i! #e! reprt re3ated !trie! 6 per!i!te#t '#!umer! armed it" a33 t"e ri)"t d'ume#tati# a#d e2e# 3ayer! "ired t a!!i!t t"em " !pe#t year! 6 t"eir 3i2e! attempti#) t re!32e ?2iu! errr! i# t"eir 'redit reprt! it" 3itt3e !u''e!!& I# rea3 term! ;9 Mi#ute! reprted 6rm < t $9 mi33i# Ameri'a#! it" errr! i# t"eir 'redit reprt! t"at 'u3d impa't "et"er t"ey 'u3d ?tai# 'redit r " mu'" t"ey u3d "a2e t pay 6r it&
T"e i!!ue i! t"at i# t"e 'urre#t 'redit reprti#) !y!tem # '#!umer 'a# )ar#er t"e #eeded 3e2era)e a)ai#!t data 6ur#i!"er! a#d 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie!& T"ey "a2e 'reated a# autmated !y!tem t"at tur#! pep3e i#t #um?er!& Credit reprti#) a)e#'ie! ma(e m#ey 6rm t"eir 'u!tmer! t"e 6ur#i!"er! 6 i#6rmati# % 'redit 'ard 'mpa#ie! a#d t"er 3e#der! % a#d t"ey are i# t"e ?u!i#e!! 6 !ati!6yi#) t"eir
'u!tmer! #t '#!umer!& T"e '#!umer! are t"e #e! "!e i#6rmati# i! ?ei#) !(eed a#d ti!ted a#d ?u)"t a#d !3d 6r a mu3titude 6 purp!e! #t #e'e!!ari3y de!i)#ed t !er2e t"eir #eed!& T"e 'urre#t !y!tem i! de!i)#ed t meet t"e #eed! 6 t"!e eri#) 'redit&
(EET THE NEED Credit repair pr6e!!i#a3! are #eeded t )uide '#!umer! t"ru)" t"e pr'e!! 6 'redit repair& T"ere are mi33i#! 6 pep3e a'r!! t"e #ati# t"at #eed t"e "e3p 6 'redit repair pr6e!!i#a3! 3i(e yu& It i! imperati2e t"at yu )et i#t p!iti# t "e3p mre 6 t"!e pep3e 1 i# yur "met# a'r!! t"e !treet r ri)"t #et dr& T"ey mi)"t ?e yur ?eauti'ia# )uy at t"e )r'ery !tre yur me'"a#i' r yur pi..a de3i2ery ma#& E2ery?dy yu 'me i#t '#ta't it" # a dai3y ?a!i! i! a pte#tia3 pr!pe't it" a #eed 6r yur !er2i'e!& Yur mar(etp3a'e i! 2a!t yur )a3 i! t rea'" a#d "e3p a! ma#y pep3e a! p!!i?3e a#d at t"e !ame time )ri#) yur ?u!i#e!! !u''e!!6u33y& Yu 'a# pe#etrate yur mar(etp3a'e& O#e 6 t"e m!t imprta#t t"i#)! yu 'a# d t pe#etrate yur mar(et a#d !et yur!e36 a#d yur ?u!i#e!! up 6r !u''e!! i! t ma#a)e yur time& I# ?u!i#e!! a#d i# per!#a3 3i6e yu #3y "a2e time& It! t"e #3y rea3 a!!et yu "a2e a#d yu mu!t ma#a)er it& By ma#a)i#) yur time yu ma#a)e yur e#er)y a#d t"u! yur ee'ti2e#e!!& O#e 6 t"e ea!ie!t ay! t ma#a)e yur time i! t !et a!ide t"e time t d "at yu i#te#d t d& It i! a #t a matter 6 !ayi#) KI33 d it tdayK ?ut 3itera33y KTday at $$99 I33 !it d# a#d ma(e t"e!e 'a33! "a#d3e t"i! re!ear'" r "e3p t"i! '3ie#t&K O6 'ur!e t ?e a?3e t d t"at yu "a2e t '#!ider a33 t"at yu "a2e a3ready p3a##ed t d a#d !et a!ide t"e time& T"ere i! # mu3tita!(i#) p3a# #e t"i#) at a time a#d d it e33 yu33 )et mu'" mre a''mp3i!"ed i# a day& Simp3y !tated yu 'a#t a''mp3i!" mu3tip3e ta!(! at #'e a#d per6rm t"i! a33 e33& Yu mu!t 6'u! yur time& E2ery#e a#t! t 6'u! a#d ma#a)e t"eir time& It i! t"e #3y ay t )et t"e t"i#)! a''mp3i!"ed ee'ti2e3y& Time ?3'(i#) i! t"e (ey t time ma#a)eme#t&
#tep 1 % Be)i# ?y 3i!ti#) e2ery ta!( t"at yu "a2e 'mmitted t d 1 6r yur!e36 yur ?u!i#e!! a#d 6r t"er!& #tep ) % U#der!ta#d yur priritie!& Yu "a2e t de'ide # yur m!t imprta#t pririty a#d 633 it" #um?er! t t"ree 6ur a#d ! # #tep * % Ma(e !ure yu are !pe#di#) ade=uate time a#d e#er)y # t"!e priritie!& >"e# yu are 6'u!ed # yur priritie! yu #eed t ?e pre!e#t % a33 i# #tep + % E3imi#ate yur di!tra'ti#!& T"ere i33 a3ay! ?e i#terrupti#! ! yu "a2e t ma#a)e t"e #e! t"at yu 'a# '#tr3& #tep , % F'u! # t"e ta!( at "a#d& I# rder t ma#a)e yur time a#d e#er)y yu mu!t 6'u! # "at@! pre!!i#) "at@! m!t imprta#t "at@! dire't3y i# 6r#t 6 yu& I6 #t yu@33 #d yure u#6'u!ed a#d yure umpi#) 6rm #e t"i#) t t"e #et& T"i! i33 (eep yu 6rm 'mp3eti#) a#y ta!( yu@33 ?ur# ut a#d dri2e yur team t di!tra'ti#&
Yu #eed t map yur time 2i!ua3i.e it !it d# a#d rite it d#& Pririti.e yur 3i!t a#d determi#e yur )a3!& Yu 'a# ea!i3y ma#a)e yur time it" time ?3'(i#)& It i33 "e3p yu di!'ip3i#e yur!e36 a#d yur day& Time ?3'(i#) i! 3itera33y u!i#) yur 'a3e#dar t ma#a)e yur day& I6 yu d#t '#tr3 yur day yur day i33 '#tr3 yu a#d yu@33 ?e ma(i#) adu!tme#t! t"ru)"ut yur day a#d a''mp3i!" 3itt3e& I# t"e 'redit repair i#du!try yur ?u!i#e!! ta(e! a# i# 6 'u!tmer! "i'" mea#! 'u!tmer! i33 ?e 'a33i#) !tppi#) ?y yur 'e a#d emai3i#)& Yu #eed t ma#a)e t"!e time! ?y te33i#) yur 'u!tmer! yur !'"edu3e& Let t"em (# "e# yu ta(e 'a33! retur# 'a33! !'"edu3e appi#tme#t! a#d '"e'( emai3!& I6 yur appi#tme#t time! are 6rm 8 t $$ i# t"e mr#i#) a#d 4 t 5 # !e3e't e2e#i#)! 3et yur 'u!tmer! (#& O#'e yu d yu "a2e !et ?3'(ed yur time a#d !et t"at epe'tati# 6r yur 'u!tmer! 1 ?t" #e a#d 3d& Yur 'u!tmer! (# "at t epe't a#d "#e!t3y t"at i! "at m!t pep3e epe't tday& Ea'" Friday yu 'a# p3a# a#d !'"edu3e t"e up'mi#) ee( ?ui3di#) i# re'urri#) e2e#t!& Bui3d i# t"!e re''urri#) e2e#t! 3i(e p"#e 'a33! a#d t"e# ?e)i# t dri2e t"!e p"#e 'a33! i#t t"at time !3t& Bui3d i# t"e time yu i33 "3d !ta meeti#)! "e# yu@33 3ea2e r( t ) "me "e# yu i33 arri2e i# t"e mr#i#)& By di#) ! yu i33 ?e)i# t 6'u! yur e#er)y tard t"e priritie! # yur 'a3e#dar& >it" time ?3'(i#) yu i33 a3! ?ui3d yur # di!'ip3i#e a#d t"e a?i3ity t re!i!t t"e temptati# 6 di!tra'ti# 6rm yur priritie! a#d !u''eed& By ma#a)i#) yur time e#er)y a#d ee'ti2e#e!! yu 'a# pe#etrate t"e mar(et a#d "e3p yur pte#tia3 'u!tmer!& Q#i#) t"at at 3ea!t $9 mi33i# Ameri'a# C#!umer! "a2e errr! # t"eir 'redit reprt! t"e mar(etp3a'e i! ripe it" #e 'u!tmer! 6r yur Credit Repair Bu!i#e!!& Yu 'a# tea'" '#!umer! t"e trut" a?ut 'redit repair a#d )r yur ?u!i#e!! a! t"e 'redit repair 'u!tdia#! 6 t"eir '#!umer 'redit reprt!& T"e p!!i?i3itie! are e#d3e!!&
Part ) (eetin- the Need C&A##IC DI#PUTE TECHNI.UE# S're Te'"#i'a3 Di!pute Met"d3)y ari!e! 6rm t"e #eed t a2id '3a!!i' di!pute te'"#i=ue! "i'" re!u3t i# 6ri23u! ta)! 6rm t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie!& T"e 2a!t marity 6 t"e ta'ti'! 6rm 0i3ati# Bi#) t t"e S=uee(y >"ee3 t t"e Ner2u! Ne33ie a#d e2eryt"i#) i# ?etee# are (## a#d u!ed ?y 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! a#d are temp3ate dri2e#& T"ey are !pe'i' temp3ate! t"at ) ut # a parti'u3ar ru#d a#d t"e temp3ate! are '#ti#ua33y reu!ed& T"e '#te#t 6 a 'mp3ete 3etter "a! t ?e '"a#)ed peridi'a33y a6ter yu d 23ume di!pute!& T"e!e ta'ti'! are u!ed ?y !ma33er 'redit repair ?u!i#e!!e! " ma#a)e 6eer t"a# 2e 'u!tmer! i# a#y )i2e# m#t"& I6 yu u!e t"em it" a#y !rt 6 repetiti# 3etter! i33 ?e repeated a#d t"ey i33 ?e a))ed a! 6ri23u! "e# yu !tart di!puti#)&
I# a retai3 'redit repair 'mpa#y t"i! pr'e!! mu!t ?e autmated& T"e re!u3t a! t"e S're Fa'tua3 Te'"#i'a3 Di!pute Met"d3)y& It diere#tiated S're 6rm t"e t"er 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#!& Fir!t t"u)" S're !ti33 u!e! t"e!e temp3ate! ?ut t"e ?dy 6 t"e temp3ate +t"e di!pute rea!#, '"a#)e! # e2ery !i#)3e ru#d& S're a3! !pi#! t"e di!pute!& Fr eamp3e # a Ba!i' MO0 Re=ue!t t"ere i! a !pe'i' !tru'ture yu ?e)i# ?y !e#di#) a di!pute a#d 6331up # t"e 633i#) ru#d it" a re!p#!e re=ue!ted t"e met"d u!ed t i#2e!ti)ate t"e di!pute at t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y r it" t"e 'reditr& I# a Gd >i33 Re=ue!t a #e 3etter re=ue!t yu "a2e t ?e !pe'i' i# yur re=ue!t& I# t"e C33e'ti# T"ree Step Met"d r t"e D0 Tri6e'ta i! a de?t 2a3idati# 3etter t t"e 'reditr a#d pre2e#t! t"e 'reditr 6rm '#ta'ti#) a t"ird party a?ut t"at de?t& O#'e yu@2e '#rmed t"e 'reditr@! re'eipt 6 t"e re=ue!t yu t"e# !e#d a ru#d 6 di!pute! t t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y a#d ait 6r t"e r!t ru#d 6 re!u3t! t determi#e i6 t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y !e#t a re=ue!t 6r i#2e!ti)ati# t t"at parti'u3ar 'reditr& T"e t"ird ru#d '#!i!t! 6 !e#di#) t"e 'reditr a 3etter !tati#) t"at t"ey re!p#ded t t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y prir t t"e 2a3idati# 6 t"e de?t& Yu 'a# t"e# !e#d a 6urt" ru#d dema#di#) t"at t"ey rem2e t"e de?t ?a!ed # a 3e)a3 p!iti# +a 3p"3e,& T"i! i! a# ad2a#'e ta'ti' t"at re=uire! time t u#der!ta#d a#d 3ear# t"e timi#) 6r tyi#) 6ur ru#d! t)et"er&
'hat do these Tactics ,a"e in Common1
$& Ea'" 6 t"e!e ta'ti'! are temp3ate 3etter! a#d are a33 2ery diere#t appra'"& T"i! 6 'ur!e re=uire! yu t ta(e t"e time t retrai# pr'e!!i#) !ta& T"e ?e#et i! t"at t"e temp3ate! are '"a#)i#) ?e'au!e !met"i#) diere#t "appe#! # ea'" #e ru#d pr'e!!ed& <& M!t 6 t"e!e met"d! are ?a!ed # 6a'tua3 di!pute! ?ut #t a33 6 t"em& -& M!t ta'ti'! are temp3ate dri2e# #t Di!pute Rea!# Dri2e#& /& T"e!e ta'ti'! a!!ume t"at t"e '#!umer i33 )ai# 3e2era)e parti'u3ar3y MO0! D0! t"e D0 Tri6e'ta et'& 4& Ea'" 6 t"e!e met"d! pi#t ut a 6au3t& ;& Ea'" 6 t"e!e ta'ti'! trie! t ?ypa!! t"e OCR& T"e temp3ate! are '"a#)i#) # e2ery ru#d depe#di#) # t"e ta'ti' '"!e#& 5& A33 6 t"e!e met"d! are tryi#) t em?ra'e t"e pr'e!! a#d t"e 3a& T"ere i! # attempt t 3ie t t"e 'reditr r t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y ?ut yu mu!t ?e 'are6u3 t u!e ta'ti'! t"at tru3y app3y t t"e !ituati#& A de#iti2e p!it# i! re=uired t !e#d t"e me!!a)e a''urate3y& T"e rea!# i! #t dri2i#) t"e di!pute e2ery time&
'hat Causes these -trategies to Fail1 $& Yu a!!ume t"at t"e di!pute i! ?ei#) read& <& Yu a!!ume t"at t"e di!pute i! ?ei#) tra'(ed& +N #e i! !itti#) at t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'y tra'(i#) t"e di!pute! t"ru)" ea'" ru#d a#d tyi#) t"em t)et"er&, Yu are )rupi#) t"em t)et"er a! a pr'e!! i# a ?u!i#e!! yu i33 u!e mu3tip3e ta'ti'! 'mp3i'ati#) t"e pr'e!!& -& Yu a!!ume t"at Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! a#d Data Fur#i!"er! are 3e2era)ed ?y yur di!pute!& Yu a!!ume t"at t"ey are i#timidated e#u)" t i#terrupt t"eir pr'e!! t a#!er yur di!pute& /& Yu a!!ume t"at t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! 633 t"e ru3e!& T"e #um?er! d #t 3ie !tati!ti'! !" t"at t"e di!pute pr'e!! i! aed& O2er 59 per'e#t 6 'redit reprt! "a2e errr! a#d <9 per'e#t 6 t"!e errr! are de#ia3 6 'redit type errr!& T"ey are #t 633i#) t"e ru3e!& T"ey are autmati#) #e pr'e!!e! # tp 6 'urre#t i#'#!i!te#'ie! ma(i#) t"e pr?3em r!e& 4& Yu a!!ume t"at t"e Data Fur#i!"er! are 633i#) t"e ru3e!& T"ey are #t 633i#) t"e ru3e! t"e data i! "a#d3ed i#'rre't3y 6rm t"e ?e)i##i#) 6 t"e pr'e!!& ;& T"ere i! # #e !trate)y t"at r(!& Yu i33 #d t"at "e#e2er a #e ta'ti' i! imp3eme#ted yu "a2e a !purt 6 #e re!u3t!& T"e pr?3em a! it did #t 3a!t& T"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! ere !marter a#d p!!e!!ed ?etter te'"#3)y& T"ey re!p#ded it" 6ri23u! pr6 6 addre!! pr6 6 ide#ti'ati# a#d pr6 6 !'ia3 !e'urity #um?er t de3ay t"e pr'e!!& O#'e t"e OCR a! imp3eme#ted #e ta'ti'! ?e'ame 3d 2ery 6a!t ?e'au!e 6 t"e #um?er 6 di!pute! ?ei#) pr'e!!ed& N #e !trate)y r(! !u''e!! re=uire! a pr'e!!& 5& O#3y pr'e!!e! t"at 'm?i#e !trate)ie! pr2ide '#!i!te#'y&
'hat do *e 2no*1
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T"e Credit Reprti#) Sy!tem i! aed& T"e Federa3 Trade Cmmi!!i# T"e U&S& Pu?3i' I#tere!t Re!ear'" Grup a#d t"e Nati#a3 C#!umer La Ce#ter a33 a)ree t"at 2er <9 per'e#t 6 'redit reprt! '#tai# errr! +T"e a2era)e 3ie! a?2e <9 per'e#t ?ut rat"er t"a# =ute #umeru! !tati!ti'! t"e <9 per'e#t a2era)e i! uti3i.ed "ere&, T"e pr?3em ?e)i#! it" mti2ati#& T"e '#!umer! mti2ati# t i#2e!ti)ate u#der!ta#d a#d 'rre't t"eir 'redit "i!try i! t ?tai# a 3a# 6r a "me r a 'ar& T"ere i! # mti2ati# r m#etary i#'e#ti2e 6r t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! r t"e Creditr! t 'rre't t"e aed !y!tem& T"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! are #t paid ?y t"e '#!umer! ?ut rat"er paid ?y t"e data 6ur#i!"er! t"e ?a#(! t"at ?uy t"e 'redit reprt! r t"e ?a#(! t"at ?uy t"e !tudie! 6 !u?!et! 6 'u!tmer! "!e 'redit !'re! "a2e impr2ed 2er t"e 3a!t ;9 day! ! t"ey 'a# mar(et t t"at 3i!t it" pre1appr2ed 'redit& C#!umer! are #t t"eir primary !ur'e 6 re2e#ue& T"ey are u!i#) '#!umer i#6rmati# a! t"ey 3i(e a#d ep3iti#) it t t"eir ?e#et& T"ey are 6te# #t 2i3ati#) t"e 3a ?ut "e# t"ey d it i! !imp3y t mu'" t re!32e& T"e te'"#3)y u!ed ?y t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! i! #t 6u333i#) t"e dutie! it a! a!!i)#ed t d& >"e# t"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't a! e#a'ted it a! e#a'ted t prte't '#!umer! 6rm u#6air a#d de'epti2e trade pra'ti'e! a#d t )i2e t"e '#!umer t"e a?i3ity t di!pute i#'#!i!te#t err#eu! r u#2eria?3e i#6rmati# # t"eir 'redit reprt& T"e te'"#3)y i! #t "e3pi#) '#!umer! t d t"i! at a )reater rate&
#TRATEGIE# AND TACTIC# ON&' (AKE 'OU FEE& #ECURE T"ey ma(e u! 6ee3 3i(e t"i! !y!tem "a! !me type 6 r)a#i.ati# t it a#d t"e 3ate!t ta'ti' i! t"e #e ma)i' pi33 t 'rre't t"e i!!ue!& It i! 3i(e ei)"t 3!!& T"ere i! !imp3y # temprary & It i! a pr'e!! a#d it i33 ta(e time& Ta'ti'! are #3y a temprary & T"ey may e2e# ma(e t"e 'u!tmer 6ee3 )d attempti#) t ep3ai# !met"i#) t"at dee! ep3a#ati# a#d t"at i! t"e 'urre#t !y!tem& Neit"er t"e 'u!tmer! #r t"e 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! are re!p#!i?3e 6r t"e 'urre#t 'redit reprti#) !y!tem t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! a#d t"e data 6ur#i!"er! are re!p#!i?3e& T"ey are t"e !upp3ier! 6 t"e i#6rmati# t"e ma#a)er! 6 t"e i#6rmati# "a#d3er! 6 t"e di!pute pr'e!! it" '#!umer! a#d 'redit repair r)a#i.ati#! a3i(e& T"e #3y t"i#) t"at de! r( ee'ti2e3y i! a pr'e!! t"at ep3it! t"e !y!tem ?y em?ra'i#) it t"ru)" Strate)y C#!i!te#'y Fre=ue#'y C"a#)e • • • •
T"i! i! t"e pr'e!! ?y "i'" t"e Fa'tua3 Te'"#i'a3 Di!pute Met"d3)y a! 6rmu3ated& It a33! 'redit repair ?u!i#e!!e! t imp3eme#t t"e met"d3)y it"ut p3ddi#) t"ru)" e2ery !i#)3e ta'ti' # yur #& T"e ta'ti'! pr2ide !trate)y a#d '#!i!te#'y a#d "e# 'm?i#ed it" t"e di!pute rea!#! a#d 6re=ue#'y yu arri2e at '"a#)e& Qeep i# mi#d t"at 'u!tmer! "a2e $4 t <9 3i#e item! t"at #eed atte#ti# i#'3udi#) te'"#i'a3 data t pu?3i' re'rd! a#d i#=uirie!& T"i! i! t"e ?a'(?#e 6 t"e met"d3)y& Temp3ate! '"a#)e t"e #um?er 6 3etter! i# t"e !trate)y '"a#)e! a#d t"e di!pute rea!#! '"a#)e ! i6 'u!tmer! "a2e $4 t <9 item! a#d yu '"a#)e t"e di!pute rea!#! # e2ery ru#d yu 'mp3ete3y '"a#)e t"e !trate)y ?e"i#d it& T"e S're>ay di!pute met"d3)y i#2(e! '"a#)e a#d 6a'i3itate! re!u3t!& It u#der!ta#d! a#d em?ra'e! t"e 6a't t"at '"a#)e 6a'i3itate! re!u3t!& It re')#i.e! di!pute rea!#! a! t"e (ey dri2er!& T"e rea!#! '"a#)e # e2ery !i#)3e ru#d 6 di!pute 6r a#y parti'u3ar trade 3i#e& T"e temp3ate i33 ?e !e#t t t"e 'redit repair a)e#'y ?ut ?e'au!e 6 ;<- a#d t"e 6a'ta -$< ame#dme#t 6 <9$9 item! 'a# ?e !pe'i'a33y '"a33e#)ed a#d #t mere3y 2eri6y de?t! it" t"e 'reditr& Yu 'a# a3! 2eri6y t"e 2era'ity 6 t"e!e item! dire't3y it" t"e 'reditr a! e33 a! t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y& Depe#di#) # t"e type 6 reprt a#d t"e type 6 a''u#t t"ere are 6rm < t
>it" $9 pti#! yu 'a# di!pute pti# #e it" pti# t pti# #e it" t"ree pti# #e it" 6ur pti# #e it" !e2e# a#d ! # up t te#& T"e# yu ) t pti# t it" pti# t"ree pti# t it" pti# 6ur a#d ! # e3imi#ati#) repeated rea!#!& Yu are #e2er di!puti#) 6r t"e !ame rea!#& Yu are 2eri6yi#) '"a33e#)i#) i#6rmati# t"at i! mi!!i#) r i#'rre't ?e'au!e t"at i! "at t"e 3a a33! yu t d& T"i! 6 'ur!e i! t"e ?eauty a#d 6u#'ti#a3ity 6 t"e S're>ay di!pute met"d3)y& >"e# yu 'm?i#e temp3ate! 6rm e2ery !i#)3e ta'ti' me#ti#ed ear3ier t"e permutati#! i#'rea!e& T"e temp3ate! a#d t"e !trate)ie! 'au!e '"a#)e ?y pr2idi#) t"e !trate)y t 633 t !u''e!!& E2e# !met"i#) a! !imp3e a! addi#) "a#dritte# e#2e3pe! "e3p! t e#'ura)e '"a#)e& I# t"e OCR eamp3e! a#d " it r(! "a#dritte# e#2e3pe! a'tua33y de'rea!e t"e '"a#'e! 6 6ri23u! re!p#!e! a#d i#'rea!e! re!u3t!& Yur )a3 i! t "a2e yur di!pute! a'tua33y read ?y t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y@! !y!tem& I6 yu 'a#@t ?ypa!! t"e OCR )etti#) read ?y t"e !y!tem i! a mi3e!t#e& I6 yu 'a# ?ypa!! t"e OCR a#d )et yur di!pute! read yu i33 )ai# re!p#!e! a#d a'"ie2e '"a#)e& It i! t"e Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair appra'" a#d 'up3ed it" 'u!tmer 'redit m#itri#) yu 'a# 2ie reprt! e2ery -9 t -4 day! a#d !ee '"a#)e! ?e6re yur 'u!tmer! re'ei2e t"eir re!p#!e!& T"e '"a#)e! are "appe#i#) e2e# i6 t"e Credit Repair A)e#'ie! "a2e 6ai3ed t !e#d a33 t"e prper re!p#!e! t t"e '#!umer& T"ey may "a2e !e#t a 6ri23u! re!p#!e ?a'( t )ai# time ?ut t"ey did per6rm t"e i#2e!ti)ati# yet did #t i#6rm yu 6 t"e re!u3t!& Yu i33 3i(e3y re'ei2e re!p#!e! duri#) t"e #et ru#d 6 di!pute! t"u)" it"ut 'redit m#itri#) it #@t ?e rea3i.ed u#ti3 t"at time& T"e 'm?i#ed ert 6 'redit m#itri#) a#d Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair uti3i.i#) ta'ti'! a#d !trate)ie! ?ri#)! p!iti2e '"a#)e a#d !u''e!!6u3 re!u3t!& Great !6tare permit! yu t a''urate3y e#)a)e ea'" #e 6 t"e 3etter! ?ei#) prdu'ed& T"i! pr'e!! e#'mpa!!e! e2eryt"i#) % it i! a pr'e!! t"at re=uire! !6tare t"at 'a# a''mmdate ea'" #ame a''u#t #um?er mu3tip3e di!pute rea!#! a#d ! # 6r e2ery item& T"e !6tare mu!t ?e a?3e t "a#d3e t"e 'rre'ti# pr'e!! t"e 'u!tdia3 pr'e!!e! t"at a33! 6r 'rre'ti# 6 'u!tmer reprt!&
#CORE/A' CREDIT REPAIR ORGANI"ATION DI#PUTE PROCE## T"e S're>ay Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# Di!pute Pr'e!! i#'3ude! T"e re2ie 6 t"e Credit M#itri#) Reprt it" t"e '#!umer Ide#ti'ati# 6 i#'#!i!te#'ie! # t"e 'redit reprt appr2ed ?y t"e '#!umer Prepare! Fa'tua3 Te'"#i'a3 Di!pute! Rea!#! 6r ea'" Trade 3i#e a''u#t t ?e di!puted Se3e'ti# 6 a r!t ru#d Letter temp3ate 6r ea'" Credit Reprti#) A)e#'yDire'tr a#d Creditr a#d add a33 item! t ?e '"a33e#)ed # #e Letter +!e#di#) i#di2idua3 3etter! de3ay! t"e pr'e!! "i3e 'm?i#i#) di!pute! a''e3erate! t"e rate 6 !u''e!!, • •
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$& I#'3ude te'"#i'a3 data a''u#t! pu?3i' re'rd! i#=uirie! <& Se3e't t"e temp3ate !trate)y t pur!ue •
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Se#d t"e di!pute! t Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! a#d dire't3y t Creditr! +#te Fa'ta -$<, I#!pe't t"e Credit M#itri#) # 3e!! t"a# -9 day! 6rm t"e date 6 t"e di!pute& Pr1A'ti2e Credit Repair de! #t ait 6r re!p#!e! ?ut m#itr! '"a#)e! 2ia 'redit m#itri#)& It i! t"e ?e!t ay t "e3p yur 'u!tmer! "e3p t"em!e32e!& I# t"i! !tep a! yu 2ie t"e 'redit m#itri#) reprt! yu 3( 6r de3eted item! repaired item! added item! a#d '"a#)ed item!& I# u!i#) t"i! pr'e!! t"e 'redit reprti#) a)e#'ie! i33 !tart re!p#di#) di#) t"eir ?! 'rre't3y a#d yu are a'ti2e3y # tp 6 t"e pr'e!! a#d !ee t"e '"a#)e! !u)"t a#d reprted 'rre't3y a#d u3timate3y t"e !y!tem impr2e!& T"e Fa'tua3 Te'"#i'a3 Di!pute Pr'e!! )et! yur re=ue!t! read mre t"a# yur pre2iu! ta'ti'!& Yu a'tua33y )et item! 'rre'ted a#d 2eried& Yu )et yur 'u!tmer@! item! m2ed 6rm #e)ati2e !tatu!e! t p!iti2e !tatu!e!& Yu "a2e ee'tua33y updated yur di!pute p3a# a#d pr'e!!& I6 yur !6tare r yur ut!ur'i#) rm de! #t pr2ide yu it" t"e pti#! #eeded t per6rm t"e!e 6u#'ti# a#d update # a m#t"3y ?a!i! t"i! i33 'reate a ?urde# # yu a#d yur 'mpa#y& I# rder t ru# a# ee'ti2e a#d !u''e!!6u3 6a'tua3 te'"#i'a3 di!pute met"d3)y pr'e!!r! "a2e t ?e trai#ed t read a#d u#der!ta#d a myriad 6 diere#t reprt! a#d " (# "at t d "e# '"a#)e! ''ur +r d#@t ''ur a! epe'ted,& It i! #t a !'e#ari ?a!ed reprt ?ut a# eperti!e ?a!ed reprt i# re)ard t t"e 'redit reprti#) a#d t"e 'redit !'re a! it re3ate! t t"e reprt& Se3e't a !e'#d r )reater ru#d 3etter temp3ate 6r ea'" Credit Reprti#) A)e#'y a#d Creditr a#d add a33 item! t ?e '"a33e#)ed # #e 3etter& Duri#) t"i! ru#d 6 di!pute! yu i33 a)ai# 3( at te'"#i'a3 data a''u#t! pu?3i' re'rd! i#=uirie! a#d !e3e't t"e temp3ate !trate)y yu #eed t pur!ue& Se#d t"e Di!pute! t Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! a#d Dire't3y t Creditr! (eepi#) Fa'ta -$< i# mi#d& Repeat t"e pr'e!! 6r t"e 'u!tmer u#ti3 $& T"e pr'e!! i! 'mp3eted& T"i! de! #t mea# yu "a2e $99 per'e#t re!u3t!& It i! a'tua33y t"e time "e# t"e '#!umer )et! t"e #eeded 'redit 6r t"e pur'"a!e +"u!e 3a# 'ar et'&, t"at ?ru)"t t"em t yu i# t"e r!t p3a'e& T"e )a3 i! t "e3p yur 'u!tmer )et t a pi#t t"at t"ey 'a# m2e m2e 6rard 3i2e a ?etter 3i6e a#d u!e t"eir 'redit a)ai#& T"at i! 'mp3eti# a#d !u''e!! 6r t"e '#!umer& <& T"e Cu!tmer de'ide! #t t '#ti#ue& -& T"e Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# de'ide! #t t '#ti#ue& Nt #3y !"u3d yur 'u!tmer ?e a?3e t di!'#ti#ue yur !er2i'e ?ut yu #eed t ?e a?3e t di!'#ti#ue !er2i'e "e# t"ere are # mre re!u3t! t ?e ?tai#ed& I6 yu 6ai3 t u#der!ta#d t"i! t"re!"3d yu i33 ?e)i# t 2er!pe#d ?y '#ti#ui#) t di!pute "e# t"ere i! # mre re2e#ue t ?e )ai#ed& +Remem?er yu are #t a ##1prt r a )2er#me#t a)e#'y& Yu are ru##i#) a 6r1prt ?u!i#e!! it" t"e i#te#ti# 6 3ear# )r a#d prt 6rm t"e 'redit repair ?u!i#e!!&
/& Yu rea'" t"e State CROA time 3imit # 3e#)t" 6 !er2i'e& Ma#y !tate! "a2e a !i m#t" ru3e 6r 'redit repair r)a#i.ati# !er2i'e '#tra't!&
#CORE/A' T,E &ELI/ER)BLE Qeep i# mi#d "at yu are prdu'i#) i! a de3i2era?3e& Yu d #t de3ete r repair a#yt"i#) # a 'u!tmer@! 'redit reprt& Yu pr2ide =ua3ity di!pute 3etter! 6r yur 'u!tmer!& O#3y t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! a#d t"e Creditr! 'a# '#tr3 t"e re!u3t& Yur 'redit repair ?u!i#e!! #3y '#tr3! t"e di!pute 3etter!& At t"e e#d 6 t"e di!pute pr'e!! 6r a#y 'u!tmer t"e me'"a#i!m 6 "at #eed! t ?e '"a33e#)ed t t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'y a#d t t"e Creditr "i'" i! "at i! prdu'ed 6r t"e '#!umer& I# S're>ay Di!pute Met"d3)y it i! 'mp!ed 6 a !pu# 3etter temp3ate a "a#d ritte# e#2e3pe a 'u!tmi.ed di!pute rea!# 6r ea'" a''u#t t"at '"a#)e! m#t"3y a#d i! #e2er u!ed mre t"a# #'e&
T,E -!% TEML)TE S're uti3i.e! 2er <99 diere#t temp3ate! t"at are u#i=ue t e2ery Credit Repair Or)a#i.ati# prta3& O#'e t"e temp3ate! are u!ed mre t"a# $99 time! t"e '#te#t i! !pu# +t"e me!!a)e i! t"e !ame ?ut t"e rdi#) a#d de3i2ery i! a3tered,& T"i! addre!!e! a#d a2id! t"e OCR te'"#3)ie! =ue!t! 6r repetiti2e temp3ate!& It maimi.e! t"e ee'ti2e#e!! 6 t"e temp3ate ! t"at t"e temp3ate de! #t pr3e t"e di!pute& T"e pr'e!!r !"u3d '"a#)e 6#t! type! a#d t"e )e#era3 '#tet +3( a#d 6ee3, 6 t"e 3etter # e2ery ru#d ?e6re it i! pri#ted 6r de3i2ery& Yu d #t a#t t u!e t"e !ame temp3ate # e2ery ru#d&
T,E TEML)TE T3E T"e!e temp3ate type! are a33 t"e 3etter! u!ed 2er t"e year! !pu# re)u3ar3y 6r )reate!t ee't& S're>ay Ad2a#'ed Ta'ti'! C33e'ti# Temp3ate! S're>ay Ad2a#'ed Ta'ti'! Creditr +OC, Temp3ate! S're>ay Credit Bureau Temp3ate! S're>ay Credit Bureau Ad2a#'ed Ta'ti'! Temp3ate! • • • •
I# rder t uti3i.e t"e temp3ate! t yur ad2a#ta)e a#d a2id repetiti# 6 temp3ate! r repetiti# i# di!pute ru#d! yu mu!t '3a!!i6y t"e temp3ate! i#t 6ur type! 6r ee'ti2e uti3i.ati#& T"e ?u3( 6 t"e temp3ate! i33 6a33 i#t #e 6 t"e!e 6ur 'ate)rie! r e2e# 2er3ap i# t"e 'ate)rie!& 0eri6y Dema#d 0a3idate E!'a3ate • • • •
Fr eamp3e i6 yur pr'e!!r u!e! a 0eri6y temp3ate i# ru#d #e di!pute! it" a! i# t"e eamp3e a 'u!tmer it" $4 3i#e item! ea'" it" a# i#depe#de#t di!pute rea!#& I# ru#d t t"e pr'e!!r may uti3i.e a 0a3idate temp3ate r a# E!'a3ate temp3ate r Dema#d temp3ate 6rmat& O6 'ur!e "e 'u3d a3! ?e)i# it" t"e 0a3idate temp3ate a#d t"e# 633 i# t"e !e'#d ru#d it" a# E!'a3ate Dema#d r 0eri6y temp3ate& I# ea'" ru#d e2ery !i#)3e di!pute rea!# i! ?ei#) '"a#)ed a#d t t 6ur r mre a''u#t data type! 6r a#y trade 3i#e a#d a3teri#) t"at a! e33& T"at i! a u#i=ue de3i2era?3e&
rocessor Trade Line )nalysis A! t"e pr'e!!r r(! "at i! ?ei#) '#!idered T"e pr'e!!r mu!t ?e tau)"t t"e ri)"t =ue!ti#! t a!( t"em!e32e! duri#) t"e trade 3i#e a#a3y!i!& It i! ?r(e# d# t t"e trade 3i#e a! t"e u#it dri2er 6 prta?i3ity& T"ere i! a '!t i#232ed i# pr'e!!i#) mre trade 3i#e!& A! t"e pr'e!!r eami#e! t"e trade 3i#e i#di2idua33y t"e pr'e!!r #eed! t a!( t"e 633i#) =ue!ti#! /hat is o0ious23 missin- 0ased on the a44ount t3pe5 Fr eamp3e # a '33e'ti# a''u#t yu may !ee $9 item! t"at 'a# ?e di!puted a#d at t"e a''u#t data !u?!et! +"i'" '"a#)e, t u#'2er "at i! mi!!i#)& I6 #t"i#) i! mi!!i#) t"e# 'me! t"e #et =ue!ti#& /hat is o0ious23 in4orre4t 0ased on the a44ount t3pe5 Fr eamp3e # t"e !ame '33e'ti# a''u#t it" t"e ri)i#a3 'reditr i! mi!!i#) r i#'rre't r t"e a''u#t i! pre2iu!3y di!puted a#d de! "a2e t"e ri)i#a3 'reditr i# t"e !e'#d r t"ird ru#d a#d t"e reprti#) date i! u#'"a#)ed t"e# !met"i#) i! ?2iu!3y i#'rre't& But i6 t"ere i! #t"i#) 6 #te i#'rre't3y re'rded pr'e!!r! pr'eed t t"e #et =ue!ti#& /hat t6o or more a44ount data entries 4an 0e eri7ed5 >"y T"at i! t"e 3a& D#@t 3ie 2eri6y& T"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't !ay! t"at t"e i#6rmati# mu!t ?e 2eria?3e& Yu #@t (# u#ti3 yu a!(& T"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'ie! a#d t"e 3ar)er '33e'ti# a)e#'ie! it" t"eir !p"i!ti'ated te'"#3)y prmpted t"e m2e t t r mre per re=ue!t& •
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THE ANATO(' OF A DI#PUTE &ETTER T"e 3etter ?e)i#! it" t"e "eader "i'" may i#'3ude T"e '#!umer r!t a#d 3a!t #ame T"e '#!umer addre!! Credit Bureau #ame Date 6 3etter T"e '#!umer S'ia3 Se'urity #um?er T"e date 6 ?irt" T"e !a3utati# • • • • • • •
Net 'me t"e ?dy 6 t"e 3etter "i'" '#tai#! Spe'i' Letter C#te#t ?a!ed # t"e temp3ate& It 'a# i#'3ude a''u#t #um?er! #ame! a#d de!'ripti#!& It i#'3ude! t"e 3etter '3a!!i'ati# +0eri6y 0a3idate Dema#d r E!'a3ate,& Yur pr'e!!r! i33 #eed t ?e trai#ed a! epert! # t"e 'redit reprt a! e33 a! a33 t"e temp3ate! a#d '3a!!i'ati#! u!ed i# yur ?u!i#e!!& •
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T"e Di!pute rea!# 'rre't3y !tru'tured a! a 6a'tua3 di!pute rea!# +DR,& T"e!e di!pute rea!#! mu!t ?e i# t"e 6rm 6 a ##1a!!erti2e !tateme#t it" t"e a''u#t data i# =ue!ti# a#d a !u))e!ted re!3uti#&
T"e 3etter '3!ed it" t"e 6ter "i'" '#tai#! T"e '#!umer r!t a#d 3a!t #ame T"e '#!umer addre!! Credit Bureau #ame Date 6 3etter T"e '#!umer S'ia3 Se'urity #um?er T"e date 6 ?irt" A ##1!pa'ed !i)#ature CC re6ere#'e! • • • • • • • •
It 'a# "a2e t"e i#6rmati# a! i# t"e "eader a33i#) yu t 6rmu3ate 2ariu! temp3ate!&
-ample &ispute Reasons Here are !me !amp3e! 6 e331ritte# di!pute rea!#! "I believe the status and last reported date could be wrong. Verify and correct this or completely remove it from my credit history." N#1A!!erti2e "I believe the...could be wrong." C"a33e#)e A''u#t Data K&&&!tatu! a#d 3a!t reprted date&&&KTa(e 'are t reprt t"i! '"a33e#)e 'rre't3y a2idi#) !tateme#t! 3i(e KT"i! i! #t my a''u#tK r "this is paid as agreed" r Kthis is in duplicate" i# rder t a2id i#'rre't • •
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di!puti#) met"d! i#ter2e#ti# ?y t"e FTC #e! a#d "arm t yur ?u!i#e!!& T"e 6a'tua3 te'"#i'a3 di!pute pr'e!! imp3eme#ted i# yur ?u!i#e!! i33 pr2ide t"e i#6rmati# a#d met"d3)y t"at yu #eed t pre2e#t i33e)a3 a'ti2ity +e2e# i# i)#ra#'e,& Su))e!ted Re!3uti# "Verify and correct this or completely remove it from my credit history."
Important &ispute Instructions Di!pute rea!#! !"u3d a3ay! ?e 6a'tua3& O6te# '#!umer! are u#!ure 6 t"e 6a't! a#d !metime! !ay a# a''u#t de! #t ?e3#) t t"em& It i! imprta#t t"at yur 'u!tmer (# 'mi#) i# t"at ?e'au!e yu are uti3i.i#) t"e 6a'tua3 te'"#i'a3 di!pute te'"#3)y yu #e2er '3aim a# a''u#t de! #t ?e3#) t a 'u!tmer& Ep3ai# t"e rea!# ?e"i#d t"e met"d % # #e i! readi#) t"e!e a''u#t! a#d i6 yu '3aim t"e # #er!"ip "ere d yu ) !"u3d t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'y r Creditr d #t"i#) t 'rre't it& I6 a 'u!tmer '#ti#ue! t per!i!t re)ardi#) a''u#t #er!"ip a!( 6r pr6& N#1a!!erti2e !tateme#t! are mre ee'ti2e at )etti#) item! '3ea#ed up # a 'redit reprt& Remem?er # #e i! readi#) tra'(i#) r a#a3y.i#) di!pute! t"ru)" t"e pr'e!!& E2ery m#t" ?e'me! a #e !trate)y 6rm t"e Credit Reprti#) A)e#'y@! per!pe'ti2e& Yu !"u3d a3ay! '"a33e#)e a mi#imum 6 t pie'e! 6 a''u#t data per 3i#e item& I# m!t 'a!e! t"i! i33 i#di'ate a mre di'u3t 'reditr r mre di'u3t type 6 a''u#t& A33 pr'e!!r! !"u3d 'reate !pi# a#d !u?mit #e 3i!t! 6 di!pute rea!#! e2ery m#t"& E2ery #e pr'e!!r !"u3d ?e trai#ed i# t"e pr'e!! 6r !i t ei)"t ee(! t e#!ure u#der!ta#di#) a#d a?i3ity t 'mp3ete pr'e!!i#) 6 di!pute! e33& Ea'" pr'e!!r !"u3d t"e# 633 t"e!e pr'e!!i#) )uide3i#e! u!i#) t"e pr'e!!r! t3 1 t"e di!pute rea!#!& It i! !imi3ar t t"e t3! t"at a !er2i'e departme#t i# a 'ar dea3er!"ip "a! 1 it i! " t"ey )et t"e ? d#e& Ca# yu ima)i#e a !er2i'e departme#t i# a 'ar dea3er!"ip "ere t"e me'"a#i'! are it"ut t3! N # #e u3d e2er )et t"eir ? d#e& Neit"er !"u3d yu ima)i#e a pr'e!!r i# t"e 'redit repair ?u!i#e!! it"ut "i! r "er t3! 1 t"e di!pute rea!#!& T"ey #eed t ?e 'apa?3e 6 'reati#) !pi##i#) a#d addi#) t t"em # a m#t"3y ?a!i!& It !"u3d ?e a# admi#i!trati2e re2ie ta!( parti'u3ar3y i6 yu "a2e a 3ar)er perati#& Yu a#t t ?e 'ertai# t"at yur pr'e!!r! are di#) t"eir ? e33 a#d t"i! i! d#e ?y re2iei#) t"eir r(&
&ispute &os and &on4ts
$& D#t di!pute a#y item! a! K #t mi#eK K de!#t ?e3#) t meK <& D#t Lie Be te'"#i'a3 a#d 6a'tua3& +Uti3i.i#) t"e Fa'tua3 Te'"#i'a3 Di!pute Met"d 1 T"ere i! # rea!# t 3ie&, • •
-& D#t d t"e 'redit ?ureau! ? 6r t"em& D#t )i2e t"em a#y mre i#6rmati# t"a# #e'e!!ary& Simp3y u!e t"e pr'e!!& D#t u!e $99 rd! "e# 3e!! i33 d t"e ? u!i#) t"e Fa'tua3 Te'"#i'a3 Di!pute Pr'e!!& /& D#t a!te time it" ?a!e3e!! empty t"reat! +I@m )i#) t !ue yu i# 6edera3 'urtK, 4& D#t ?e'me a#)ry a#d a't u#pr6e!!i#a33y& U!i#) pr6a#ity r t"er u#pr6e!!i#a3 ?e"a2ir! i33 #t "e3p yu t )et t"e ? d#e !u''e!!6u33y 6r yur '3ie#t!& ;& D#t =ute 3a r 'urt pi#i#! r ) # 3#) di!'ur!e! a?ut mra3! a#d et"i'!& T"e ?ureau!'33e'tr! 'reditr! d#t #eed 3e)a3 edu'ati#& 5& Qeep t"e di!pute !imp3e ?ut a3ay! 633 t"e pr'e!!& 7& Ma(e !ure t"at yur di!pute! ma(e !e#!e& 8& U!e u#i=ue 3etter temp3ate! +!pu# temp3ate!, "e#e2er p!!i?3e& A u#i=ue di!pute 3etter i33 a3ay! "a2e a ?etter '"a#'e 6 !u''e!! t"a# #e t"at "a! ?ee# u!ed 2er a#d 2er a)ai# ?e'au!e t"e 3i(e3i"d 6 a 'mputer determi#i#) 6ri23ity i! de'rea!ed& $9&D#t u!e #3i#e di!pute! r a#y ?ureau '#tr33ed di!pute 6rmat!& O#3i#e di!pute! P"#e6a di!pute! +Credit reprti#) a)e#'ie! are t"e G)3e 6 t"e #a#'ia3 i#du!try& T"ey e!!e#tia33y ma#a)e 'u!tmer@! '#te#t % #a#'ia3 "i!trie! !pe#di#) "a?it! ?i33 payi#) te#de#'ie!& T"i! i#6rmati# i! u!ed i# ma#y ay! i#'3udi#) determi#i#) i6 !me#e i! a )d t 6r a p!iti# i# )2er#me#t r t"e pri2ate !e'tr& T"i! i#6rmati# i! imprta#t a#d mu!t ?e ta(e# !eriu!3y a#d "a#d3ed it" 'are&, $$&D#@t !e#d a ?3a#(et 'ea!e a#d de!i!t 3etter t a '33e'ti# a)e#'y& Cea!e a#d De!i!t 3etter! pre2e#t '33e'ti# a)e#'ie! 6rm 'mmu#i'ati#) it" yur '3ie#t mea#i#) yu may 3ea2e t"e '33e'ti# a)e#'y it" # a3ter#ati2e ?ut a 3a!uit& Stppi#) "ara!!i#) p"#e 'a33! i! a''epta?3e ?ut 3ea2e t"e '33e'ti# a)e#'y it" t"e pti# 6r ritte# 'mmu#i'ati#& It i! imprta#t t"at i# t"e 'a!e 6 ut!ta#di#) ?a3a#'e! yur '3ie#t u#der!ta#d! t"e imprta#'e 6 !ett3i#) t"e a''u#t t a2id a 3a!uit& T"e trut" i! a mre !a22y !trate)y t"a# 3yi#) t t"e 'u!tmer& It ?ui3d! tru!ti#) re3ati#!"ip! a#d "e3p! yu )r yur ?u!i#e!!& $<&D#@t !e#d ?a#( !tateme#t! t a '33e'ti# a)e#'y t pr2e a '3ie#t "a! made a payme#t& It i! t mu'" i#6rmati# a#d t"ey d #t #eed it& $-&Letter! d #t "a2e t ?e per6e't3y typed a#d 6ree 6 )rammati'a3 a#d !pe33i#) errr!& T"ey !"u3d ?e ritte# a! t"e '#!umer u3d rite 1#t a! a 3ayer u3d rite& D#t u!e 3e)a3 term! u#ti3 a?!3ute3y #e'e!!ary& • •
KYou don't need to be perfect, you need to be consistent." - J. eters T"ere are ma#y t"i#)! yu 'a# di!pute 1 a''u#t #um?er "i)" 'redit 'redit 3imit term 6re=ue#'y 6 payme#t! !tatu! ?a3a#'e pa!t due ?a3a#'e date 6 3a!t payme#t payme#t amu#t date 6 r!t de3i#=ue#'y date 6 3a!t a'ti2ity '"ar)e date '3!ed type 6 a''u#t re!p#!i?i3ity !e'ti# additi#a3 i#6rmati# di!pute !tatu! a#d mre& T"e!e are t"e item! t"at 'a# ?e '"a33e#)ed i6 it i! #t ?2iu!3y i#'rre't r ?2iu!3y mi!!i#)& Yur pr'e!!r! !"u3d uti3i.e t"e!e item! t determi#e "at t di!pute! i33 ?e prepared&
)ccount &ata Types T"e a''u#t data type! i#'3ude te'"#i'a3 a''u#t i#=uirie! pu?3i' re'rd! a#d ?a#(rupt'ie! 5 a#d $- ud)me#t '33e'ti# a)e#'ie! a#d ta 3ie#!&
Te4hni4a2 data i#'3ude! #ame a3ia! date 6 ?irt" 'urre#t addre!! pre2iu! addre!! emp3yer a#d pre2iu! emp3yer& T"e #ame i! i#dire't3y re3ated t t"e 'redit !'re ?ut !"u3d ?e 2eried& It i! a ay 6 di!armi#) t"e 'redit ?ureau ?y uti3i.i#) t"eir ru3e!& Name a#d 'urre#t addre!! !"u3d ?e 'rre't 6rm i#'epti#& I6 i#'rre't it 'u3d !ta33 t"e di!pute pr'e!! a#d t"e 'redit !'re impr2eme#t i6 it i! re'rded i#'rre't3y& A44ount Data i#'3ude! 'reditr #ame a''u#t #um?er pe# date 3a!t reprted date date 6 3a!t a'ti2ity 'redit 3imit 'urre#t ?a3a#'e amu#t pa!t due m#t" re2ieedrated 3ate payme#t! 2er -9 day! ;9 day! r 89 day! 'mme#t! i#'3udi#) !tatu! ECOA re=uireme#t! a#d type 6 3a#& T"e date 6 3a!t a'ti2ity +DOLA, i! t"e 3a!t date a payme#t a! made r t"e '"ar)e1 date& Care mu!t ?e ta(e# t #t '#6u!e date 6 3a!t a'ti2ity a#d date 6 3a!t de3i#=ue#'y& T"ey are #t i#ter'"a#)ea?3e& Qeep i# mi#d t"at i6 date! are t"e# ?a3a#'e! are 3i(e3y a! e33& It i! a3! a )d idea t "a2e t"em update t"e pa!t due amu#t& I6 t"e ?ureau 6ai3! t d ! t"ey i33 "a2e t de3ete t"e a''u#t& In8uiries are re=ue!t 6r a '#!umer@! 'redit 3e a#d i#'3ude #ame 6 i#=uirer a#d date 6 i#=uiry& It u!ed t ?e !imp3e t rem2e a# i#=uiry ?ut # mre& T"e pr'e!! a! a?u!ed a#d tday it i! di'u3t t "a2e i#=uirie! rem2ed& T"i! 6 'ur!e tra#!3ate! t t"e 6a't t"at t"e rem2a3 6 i#=uirie! may '!t yu mre t"a# yu i33 ma(e&
Pu02i4 re4ords and 0an9rupt4ies i#'3ude ?t" C"apter 5 a#d C"apter $i#=uire!& T"e 633i#) item! 'a# ?e di!puted it" re)ard t t"i! a''u#t type date 3ed re6ere#'e #um?er 'urt a#d p3ai#ti& I# pu?3i' re'rd! yu 'a# di!pute pu?3i' re'rd type date 3ed amu#t 'a!e #um?er a#d de6e#da#t& Creating 3our &ispute Reasons List T"i! additi#a3 "e3p6u3 ad2i'e 6r yur pr'e!!r! er! a pr'e!! dri2e# met"d t"at i! ea!y t 633 a#d i! pr2e# !u''e!!6u3& Be)i##i#) it" t"e A''u#t Data Type t"e pr'e!!r i33 'reate t"e di!pute rea!#! a#d '3a!!i6y t"em ?y day! 6 t"e ee(& Fr eamp3e i6 t"ey "a2e /99 di!pute rea!#! 6r t"e m#t" t"ey i33 '"a#)e t"em # a m#t"3y ?a!i! u!i#) diere#t di!pute rea!#! # diere#t day! 6 t"e ee(& T"e imprta#t pi#t "ere i! t"at t"ey '3a!!i6y t"eir di!pute rea!#! i# !me ma##er ! t"at $99 di!pute! i33 ?e u!ed i# ee( #e $99 diere#t rea!#! i# ee( t a#d ! #& T"i! ay t"ey '2er a myriad 6 a''u#t! a#d d#@t repeat di!pute rea!#!& S're@! !6tare i! !et t a) t"i! type 6 repetiti# t "e3p yu ma#a)e t"e pr'e!! a#d maimi.e t"e pte#tia3& Ne pr'e!!r! !"u3d 'reate $9 di!pute rea!# 6r e2ery type e2ery day& I# di#) t"i! 6r !i t !e2e# ee(! t"ey i33 "a2e a 3ar)e !u?!et 6 di!pute rea!#!& T"ey
'a# t"e# ?e)i# !pi##i#) t"!e rea!#! i#t mre rea!#! a#d r)a#i.i#) t"em ?y day! 6 t"e ee( a#d type& It ma(e! t"eir ? ea!ier a#d t"ey 'a# pre13ad t"eir t3 !et t maimum 6u#'ti#a3ity& It i! imprta#t t"at ea'" pr'e!!r u!e t pie'e! 6 a''u#t data 6r e2ery di!pute rea!#& T"e!e di!pute! mu!t ?e prper3y !tru'tured u!i#) ##1a!!erti2e !tateme#t! a''u#t data a#d re!3uti# !tateme#t& Pr'e!!r! mu!t '3a!!i6y di!pute rea!#! ?y t"e r!t pie'e 6 a''u#t data '"a33e#)ed& Fr eamp3e i6 t"ey are uti3i.i#) t"e 3a!t reprted date a#d t"e ?a3a#'e t"ey mu!t '3a!!i6y a! 3a!t reprted date a#d ?a3a#'e u#der re2i!i#& Ea'" di!pute mu!t ?e re2ieed m#t"3y a#d 633ed up ?y addi#) di!pute rea!#! a#d !pi# t"em&
#CORE:# PO&IC' A! a# eamp3e at S're te'"#i'a3 data i! di!puted % ?e)i##i#) it" 6u33 #ame a#d 'urre#t addre!!& I6 t"i! i! i#'rre't a33 t"er pr'e!!e! i33 ?e de3ayed& >it" re)ard! t a''u#t data a33 der)atry i#6rmati# i#'3udi#) '33e'ti#! rep!!e!!i#! !"rt !a3e! a#d '"ar)e1! are di!puted& A3! di!puted are -9 day 3ate payme#t! t"at are
The -core 'orst Creditor List $& Ba#( 6 Ameri'a <& >e33! Far) -& Citi Fi#a#'ia3 /& Sear! 4& SAMS ;& >a3mart 5& AES P"ea 7& Departme#t 6 Edu'ati# 8& Capita3 O#e $9&Mid3a#d $$&AFNI $<&NCO $-&GEMB $/&0eri.# $4&Pi##a'3e $;&E#"a#'ed Re'2ery
$5&Fir!t Premier $7&T:U E#er)y $8&RJM A'=ui!iti# T"e imprta#'e 6 t"i! 3i!t i! t"e 6a't t"at at S're t"e!e 'reditr! are di!puted diere#t3y t"a# a33 t"er!& T"e!e 'reditr "a2e !e2era3 t"i#)! i# 'mm#& T"ey are a33 "u)e 'mpa#ie! 2ery autmated a#d #3y de3ete r repair 3e!! t"a# <9 per'e#t 6 t"e time& I#=uirie! it" t"e!e 'reditr! de3ete 3e!! t"a# $9 per'e#t 6 t"e time& T"i! pr'e!! 6r e#)a)i#) t"e r!t 'reditr! i! a! 633! • •
U!e 6ur r mre mu3tip3e a''u#t data type! at a33 time! "e# di!puti#) O# e2ery ru#d !pi# di!pute rea!# u!a)e
-ample &ispute Letters ;Insert #amp2e A< Here yu 'a# !ee t"at t"e di!pute rea!# i! '3ear3y !tated& It i! 633ed ?y a ta'ti' 6rm a#d i#'3ude! i#6rmati# re)ardi#) t"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't& T"i! i! a dire't t 'reditr di!pute& It i! #t 2eri6yi#) r 2a3idati#) de?t& T"e a''u#t i! ?e)i# e#)a)ed it" re)ard! t 2era'ity&
;Insert #amp2e B< T"i! i! a 'redit reprti#) a)e#'y 2eri'ati# 3etter& Here e2ery di!pute "a! a diere#t rea!# a! a''u#t data !et! are ?ei#) di!puted& T"i! temp3ate a3! addre!!e! t"e Fair Credit Reprti#) A't& It i! a part 6 t"e A#)ry1Edu'ated C#!umer ta'ti'! temp3ate!&
;Insert #amp2e C< T"i! i! a# i#te#t t !ue 3etter a dema#d 3etter di!puted t t"e 'reditr a#d t"e 'redit reprti#) i#6rmati#&
Opt Out O#e #a3 ?ut imprta#t !tep i# t"e 'redit repair pr'e!! i! t pt ut yur 'u!tmer d #t d a 'redit 6ree.e& T"i! !tep 'a# ?e per6rmed ?e6re r a6ter di!puti#) t"e '#!umer@! a''u#t!& At ptutpre!'ree#&'m yu i33 !imp3e e#ter t"e i#6rmati# re=uired !a2e t"e i#6rmati# a#d !a2e a PDF 'py t"at 'a# ?e atta'"ed& Yu i33 t"e# atta'" t"e pt ut atta'"me#t t t"e atta'"me#t area i# t"e Di!pute Suite& I6 t"e 'redit reprti#) r)a#i.ati#@! prta3 de! #t "a2e t"e pti# t atta'" d'ume#t! yu !"u3d !a2e it t t"e #te! !e'ti#& Yu are # e=uipped it" t"e t3! #eeded t per6rm t"e ta!(! #eeded t "e3p yur 'redit repair 'u!tmer! "e3p t"em!e32e!& By 633i#) t"e!e !tep! ma#a)i#) yur time '3a!!i6yi#) a#d r)a#i.i#) yur data !trate)ie! a#d di!pute rea!#! yu 'a# !u''e!!6u33y '#6r#t 'redit repair a)e#'ie! 'reditr! a#d '33e'ti# a)e#'ie!
