Fill in the highlighted parts. Keep the tone factual. The strength of this letter is the specific reason, so spend your effort there.
[Your full name] [Your current address] [City, State ZIP] Date of birth: [MM/DD/YYYY] SSN (last four): XXX-XX-[1234] [Bureau file / report number, if you have one] [Date] [TransUnion Consumer Solutions, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000] [or: Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013] [or: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256] Re: Dispute of inaccurate information under FCRA §611 (15 U.S.C. §1681i) To whom it may concern: I am writing to dispute the following item on my credit report. It is inaccurate for the reason stated below, and I request that you investigate and correct or delete it within 30 days as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Item disputed Creditor / collection agency: [Name exactly as shown on the report] Account number: [As shown on the report] Original creditor: [If shown] Reported balance: [$ amount] Reason for dispute [Pick one and be specific. Examples: — The date of first delinquency reported for this account is [June 2021]. The original creditor, [Synchrony Bank], reports the date of first delinquency for the same debt as [November 2019]. The collection is re-aged and must reflect the original date. — The original creditor, [Capital One], continues to report a balance of [$1,240] on account ending [8812] for this same debt. The debt cannot be owed twice. One of these tradelines is inaccurate. — The balance reported ([$1,410]) exceeds the amount reported by [Experian] for this same account ([$1,240]). The information is inconsistent and unverified. — I have no account with this collector and do not recognize this debt. I request verification of the original creditor, the account, and my liability. — The date of first delinquency was [March 2018]. This account is more than seven years and 180 days past that date and must be removed under FCRA §605(a).] Please provide me with written results of your investigation, a free updated copy of my report if any change is made, and, if the item is verified, the name, address and telephone number of the furnisher you contacted and a description of the method of verification, as required under §611(a)(6) and (a)(7). Enclosed: copy of my government-issued photo ID; copy of [utility bill / bank statement] showing my current address; [any supporting documents: statements, the original creditor's tradeline, payment proof]. Sincerely, [Signature] [Printed name]
How to send it
- Print, sign in ink, and attach copies (never originals) of your ID, proof of address, and any evidence.
- Send by certified mail with return receipt to every bureau that reports the item.
- Note the delivery date. The bureau's 30 days start from receipt.
- Send the debt validation letter to the collector the same day.
What not to do
- Don't say "this account is not mine" if it is. If the collector verifies it, you've spent a round and weakened your credibility.
- Don't send the same letter every 30 days. Repeat disputes with no new information can be dismissed as frivolous.
- Don't cite laws that don't apply. Skip the "Section 609" language; see why.
Prefer not to fill this in by hand? The software finds the specific mismatch across your three reports and writes this letter with the real account details. Start for $1.99. Read the full guide to disputing collections.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send this to the collector too?
Send a different letter to the collector: the debt validation letter. This one is for the bureau. Sending both on the same day is the most effective approach.
What if I don't know the exact error?
Compare the collection across all three reports and against the original account. If the dates, balances or statuses differ anywhere, that's your error. If you truly can't find one and the debt is yours, this letter isn't the right tool.
Can I list several collections in one letter?
Yes, one letter per bureau can cover multiple items. Give each its own numbered paragraph with its own specific reason. Don't exceed about five items per letter or it starts to look like a blanket dispute.