Tell the credit bureaus in writing what information you believe is inaccurate. Include copies (not originals) of documents that support your position. In addition to providing your complete name and address, your letter should clearly identify each item in your report you dispute, state the facts and explain why you dispute the information, and request deletion or correction. You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the items in question circled. Your letter may look something like the one below. Send your letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the credit bureaus received. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures.

When negative information in your report is accurate, only the passage of time can assure its removal. Accurate negative information generally can stay on your report for seven years

There is a standard method for calculating the seven-year reporting period. Generally, the period runs from the date that the event took place. With regard to any delinquent account placed for collection-internally or by referral to a third-party debt collector, whichever is earlier-charged to profit and loss, or subjected to any similar action, the seven-year period is calculated from the date of the delinquency that occurred immediately before the collection activity, charge to profit and loss, or similar action.

Your credit file may not reflect all your credit accounts. Although most national department store and all-purpose bank credit card accounts will be included in your file, not all creditors supply information to credit bureaus: Some travel, entertainment, gasoline card companies, local retailers, and credit unions are among those creditors that don't.

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