Disputing Errors with a Business

If you find mistakes when you review your credit reports, send letters explaining the mistakes to the 3 credit reporting companies and the businesses involved.

How to Dispute Errors on Existing Accounts

Contact the fraud department of each business that reported a fraudulent transaction on your existing accounts.

  1. Change the passwords or PINs for your accounts.
    Use these tips to create a strong password.
  2. Ask each business if it will accept your Identity Theft Report or if it uses special dispute forms.
    1. If you must use the business’ forms, ask for blank forms.
  3. Write to the fraud department of each business. Our sample letter can help.
    1. Use the address they specify for disputes.
    2. Explain that you are an identity theft victim.
    3. List the errors you found.
    4. Send copies of documents that show the error.
    5. Ask the business to remove fraudulent information.
    6. Include a copy of your Identity Theft Report (or the special dispute forms if the business requires them).
    7. Include a copy of your credit report. Black out any personal information that does not pertain to your dispute.
      The business must review your letter, investigate your complaint, and tell you the results of their investigation. If the information is wrong, the business must tell the credit reporting company.
  4. Ask the business to send you a letter confirming that it removed the fraudulent information.
    1. Keep the letter in case you see fraudulent information on your statement later.
  5. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates that you changed passwords and PINs.
    2. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    3. Keep copies of letters in your files.

How to Dispute Fraudulent Accounts Opened In Your Name

Contact the fraud department of each business that reported a new account opened in your name by an identity thief.

  1. Contact the fraud department of each business where an account was opened. Our sample letter can help.
    1. Explain that you are an identity theft victim.
    2. Close the account.
    3. Ask if the business will accept your Identity Theft Report or if it uses special dispute forms. If you must use the business’ forms, ask for blank forms.
  2. Send a copy of your Identity Theft Report or the business’ dispute forms.
    1. Ask the business to send you a letter confirming that:
      • the fraudulent account isn’t yours
      • you aren’t liable for it
      • it was removed from your credit report
    2. Keep the letter and use it if you see this account on your credit report in the future.
  3. Update your files.
    1. Record the dates you made calls or sent letters.
    2. Keep copies of letters in your files.

Any errors you dispute with business, you should also dispute with the 3 credit reporting companies.

This article is part of a series: Repairing Your Credit After Identity Theft
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Tagged with: account, business, identity theft
August 2012