A credit score is determined by a combination of negative
and positive marks. Negative marks on a credit report are averaged with
positive marks for the final score. Negative marks do not always have a major
impact on the total score. Take note of negative marks and review them for inaccuracies.
Consumers have the right to dispute any incorrect information, including your
name, date of birth, dates, creditor, or amounts.
Request verification the debt belongs to on the report. If the
agency cannot provide this information, they must remove the mark. Remove as many
negative marks as possible. Send dispute
letter to each agency. Most agencies
allow disputes directly on their
website. The longer the debt has been on file, the less likely proof will be
provided. Later, discussing how to add positive credit to increase your score
will addressed.
New accounts are easier to verify. (“New” is approximately
18 months.) Do not submit more than 5 to
8 items at a time. Otherwise, it will look like you are trying to take items
off of your account whether they are legitimate or not. Request for negative deletions
are less likely to be approved in a mass submission. There is no limit on the
number of times an item can be disputed. If it doesn’t come off the first time,
send in another request. Once a mark is
removed, a score can increase in as little as 30 days.
Next post will be on
sample letters and agency contact information.
