Getting to know your credit report

The first step in beginning the task ahead is to get a copy of your credit report from all three credit bureaus. The cost ranges from $8.00 to $10.00. Make sure you get the correct address for each credit bureau; the ones given in this book were accurate at the time of publication, but credit bureaus do keep moving their offices about at a regular interval; so it its wise to check and verify.

If you have been turned down for credit in the last sixty days, then you may obtain a free copy of your credit report. Simply write to the credit listed on your denial letter and request a free copy of your report. It will probably take longer than if you purchased the report outright.

You may also telephone the credit bureau and order your credit report. But be careful. Do not even mention the fact that you want to look at it since you are planning a dispute. There's no quicker way of raising red-flags. In other words, never talk to someone at the credit bureau about your dispute. Always put everything in writing.

When you send a request for a copy of your credit report, make sure you send it via traceable mail, such as "certified mail" or "return receipt requested".

Often the credit bureau will cash your check and make you wait. Don't panic. After a period of three weeks (if you still have not received your copy), send a follow-up letter, again via traceable mail, asking that the bureau send the report immediately. Include copies of the cancelled check and your original letter. If you still do not hear from them, you might have a chance of suing the credit bureau for mail fraud. But usually the credit bureau will respond - in its own time, of course.

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