Posts Tagged Credit Bureaus
TransUnion Consumer Education Video part 1.wmv
TransUnionCredit asked:
Simplistic overview of credit bureaus and your personal credit report. You have the right to your Free Credit report every 12 months in South Africa from TransUnion on www.mytransunion.co.za.
Ralph
How To Get Rid Of Bad Information On Your Credit Report By Writing Letters
Helen Hecker asked:
Assuming you already have a copy of your annual credit report you may have already found some errors that should be removed. Errors should always be a big concern because they can and probably have affected your credit score, also called a FICO. You can repair your credit with a little bit of help.
It may seem like a lot of work but it’s really easy. The hardest part is actually sitting down to do it. You’ll need to check all three credit bureaus to make sure the same error isn’t on all three but if you just have one credit report, start with that one.
First make a list of any and all errors that you find on your personal credit report. These could be in the form of personal information such as birth date or more likely there will be information that you know not to be true such as late payments or no payments recorded etc. If you think there is any possibility that you could be wrong check your past history with the creditor in question first.
You want to make sure you are right before you make the request to have any information removed from your credit report.
You will be sending the letter only to the credit bureau mentioned on the report, which would be Esperian, Equifax or TransUnion. You don’t want to sound angry in the letter, just be matter-of-fact, straightforward and business-like. Just outline the facts – name of creditor, dates, and the error(s) or problem(s) you’re finding on the credit report.
Here is a sample letter:
Date:
To whom it may concern at Esperian (or other credit bureau):
I recently acquired a copy of my credit report and found some errors that I’d like to dispute. I am enclosing documentation to prove the information is incorrect and would like a correction. I value my good standing and good credit history and want to maintain a good credit rating and credit score.
Name the creditor along with the reference date including the month, day and year if possible.
The error(s) I have found are:
I’m including copies of my payment record, with a (cancelled check or online payment print-outs or any other documentation that you have).
I would appreciate any attention to the matter as I would like my credit report to be accurate. I’m sure you understand that credit bureaus need to include only information that is accurate in my file.
Thank you for taking a look at my letter and file and hopefully making the necessary corrections so I can continue to maintain my good credit standing. Please let me know that my file has been reviewed and what action has been taken. I would also like a copy of my corrected credit report sent to the enclosed address. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Besides your full name as shown on the report, include you mailing address, a copy of the report that you have, your social security number, driver’s license photocopy and any other documentation such as a cancelled check or online payment confirmations.
Make a copy of the letter for yourself and a copy of any enclosures with the letter. Send the dispute letter by certified mail with a ‘return receipt’ requested. Then make sure to get the free credit reports from the other two main credit bureaus or reporting agencies to make sure they don’t have the same incorrect information. You can get free instant credit reports from the other two online.
Jessie
Assuming you already have a copy of your annual credit report you may have already found some errors that should be removed. Errors should always be a big concern because they can and probably have affected your credit score, also called a FICO. You can repair your credit with a little bit of help.
It may seem like a lot of work but it’s really easy. The hardest part is actually sitting down to do it. You’ll need to check all three credit bureaus to make sure the same error isn’t on all three but if you just have one credit report, start with that one.
First make a list of any and all errors that you find on your personal credit report. These could be in the form of personal information such as birth date or more likely there will be information that you know not to be true such as late payments or no payments recorded etc. If you think there is any possibility that you could be wrong check your past history with the creditor in question first.
You want to make sure you are right before you make the request to have any information removed from your credit report.
You will be sending the letter only to the credit bureau mentioned on the report, which would be Esperian, Equifax or TransUnion. You don’t want to sound angry in the letter, just be matter-of-fact, straightforward and business-like. Just outline the facts – name of creditor, dates, and the error(s) or problem(s) you’re finding on the credit report.
Here is a sample letter:
Date:
To whom it may concern at Esperian (or other credit bureau):
I recently acquired a copy of my credit report and found some errors that I’d like to dispute. I am enclosing documentation to prove the information is incorrect and would like a correction. I value my good standing and good credit history and want to maintain a good credit rating and credit score.
Name the creditor along with the reference date including the month, day and year if possible.
The error(s) I have found are:
I’m including copies of my payment record, with a (cancelled check or online payment print-outs or any other documentation that you have).
I would appreciate any attention to the matter as I would like my credit report to be accurate. I’m sure you understand that credit bureaus need to include only information that is accurate in my file.
Thank you for taking a look at my letter and file and hopefully making the necessary corrections so I can continue to maintain my good credit standing. Please let me know that my file has been reviewed and what action has been taken. I would also like a copy of my corrected credit report sent to the enclosed address. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Besides your full name as shown on the report, include you mailing address, a copy of the report that you have, your social security number, driver’s license photocopy and any other documentation such as a cancelled check or online payment confirmations.
Make a copy of the letter for yourself and a copy of any enclosures with the letter. Send the dispute letter by certified mail with a ‘return receipt’ requested. Then make sure to get the free credit reports from the other two main credit bureaus or reporting agencies to make sure they don’t have the same incorrect information. You can get free instant credit reports from the other two online.
Jessie
Useful Information About Credit Report Addresses
Hector Milla asked:
Credit reports usually carry such information as your personal details, credit accounts and the transactions, people who have been looking at your reports, all the lenders you have borrowed loans from and how you repaid them. Your addresses form part of your personal details. Finding something such as a transaction you do not know about is easier since you only look at the relevant section in your report.
The reports normally come with a number of addresses including your address and the addresses of your creditors. It is important to have all the addresses of the three credit reporting bureaus because you will definitely need them. You need to know how to contact them whenever you want to access your credit report or need to send a dispute letter to them. The telephone numbers come in handy when you want to call them to confirm something. In case you are an identity theft victim, the address on your report may be showing a different location probably given by the person who is using your credit cards hence verifying your address every time you get your report is one way to discover that.
Your own address must be correct at all times to avoid your reports being sent to another location. The best is to get a three in one credit report and check that the previous and current addresses showing on the reports are the same and correct. Credit report addresses also help you find the contacts of all the lenders you have dealt with and use to communicate to them in case of anything such as wrong entries on your report provided by them. It is important to check the details of the creditors to make sure they are the ones you borrowed loans from and that the details they provided are accurate.
You can browse online to get the addresses of the three credit reporting agencies if you have never dealt with them before to request for the reports. The address for reporting identity theft is also given and this is important when you realize your identity is being used by someone else.
Howard
Credit reports usually carry such information as your personal details, credit accounts and the transactions, people who have been looking at your reports, all the lenders you have borrowed loans from and how you repaid them. Your addresses form part of your personal details. Finding something such as a transaction you do not know about is easier since you only look at the relevant section in your report.
The reports normally come with a number of addresses including your address and the addresses of your creditors. It is important to have all the addresses of the three credit reporting bureaus because you will definitely need them. You need to know how to contact them whenever you want to access your credit report or need to send a dispute letter to them. The telephone numbers come in handy when you want to call them to confirm something. In case you are an identity theft victim, the address on your report may be showing a different location probably given by the person who is using your credit cards hence verifying your address every time you get your report is one way to discover that.
Your own address must be correct at all times to avoid your reports being sent to another location. The best is to get a three in one credit report and check that the previous and current addresses showing on the reports are the same and correct. Credit report addresses also help you find the contacts of all the lenders you have dealt with and use to communicate to them in case of anything such as wrong entries on your report provided by them. It is important to check the details of the creditors to make sure they are the ones you borrowed loans from and that the details they provided are accurate.
You can browse online to get the addresses of the three credit reporting agencies if you have never dealt with them before to request for the reports. The address for reporting identity theft is also given and this is important when you realize your identity is being used by someone else.
Howard
Dispute Credit Report – How to Do it Right
David N Kamau asked:
Most consumers do not know how to dispute a credit report, nor the process the credit bureaus take to verify a dispute. First of all, it all depends on what your letter said.
Most people will phrase their letter to say, “this information is incorrect” or “the dates are wrong.” This is not how you dispute a negative tradeline on your report.
The credit bureau sends a dispute form letter to the creditor, which they are used to receiving. It will state what the consumer is disputing. First, it will ask to verify the consumer’s information; name, address and those personal details.
Next, it will ask to verify whatever you disputed; the dates are wrong or this information is incorrect. The creditor will answer with the information is correct and supply and verify your personal information. This is to make sure the agency and creditor are indeed talking about the same person and same credit file.
Next, the creditor will just say the information is correct, here’s their personal information. Unfortunately, that is all that’s needed. And it all hinged on what you letter stated.
Get Creative in Your Disputes
When you are going to dispute a tradeline, you must get to the crux of what the creditor needs to verify. Say you have a loan from 10 years ago that you want to dispute because you didn’t pay it off. First, it’s a long shot, but many companies or even banks displace information or get it mixed up.
You are counting on this and develop your dispute letter to make them search for the information. Remember, they only have 30 days before they must remove the item. So you create a letter saying you do not recall signing any loan forms and to please forward the original copies bearing your signature.
This is only stating you do not remember taking out this loan and before you pay for someone else’s responsibilities, you want to make sure it’s yours. Either they begin searching or they remove it.
The point is, you must be creative and flexible in your judgment if you want to successfully get your credit report in order.
While you’re at it, avoid using dispute forms from any of the credit bureau’s website. And write in your own words; never copy credit dispute letters off the internet as millions of people may have used the exact same letter(s).
Dan
Most consumers do not know how to dispute a credit report, nor the process the credit bureaus take to verify a dispute. First of all, it all depends on what your letter said.
Most people will phrase their letter to say, “this information is incorrect” or “the dates are wrong.” This is not how you dispute a negative tradeline on your report.
The credit bureau sends a dispute form letter to the creditor, which they are used to receiving. It will state what the consumer is disputing. First, it will ask to verify the consumer’s information; name, address and those personal details.
Next, it will ask to verify whatever you disputed; the dates are wrong or this information is incorrect. The creditor will answer with the information is correct and supply and verify your personal information. This is to make sure the agency and creditor are indeed talking about the same person and same credit file.
Next, the creditor will just say the information is correct, here’s their personal information. Unfortunately, that is all that’s needed. And it all hinged on what you letter stated.
Get Creative in Your Disputes
When you are going to dispute a tradeline, you must get to the crux of what the creditor needs to verify. Say you have a loan from 10 years ago that you want to dispute because you didn’t pay it off. First, it’s a long shot, but many companies or even banks displace information or get it mixed up.
You are counting on this and develop your dispute letter to make them search for the information. Remember, they only have 30 days before they must remove the item. So you create a letter saying you do not recall signing any loan forms and to please forward the original copies bearing your signature.
This is only stating you do not remember taking out this loan and before you pay for someone else’s responsibilities, you want to make sure it’s yours. Either they begin searching or they remove it.
The point is, you must be creative and flexible in your judgment if you want to successfully get your credit report in order.
While you’re at it, avoid using dispute forms from any of the credit bureau’s website. And write in your own words; never copy credit dispute letters off the internet as millions of people may have used the exact same letter(s).
Dan
Truth About Credit Report Programs
Posted by admin in Free Credit Reports on September 21, 2010
Perplexed About Free Credit Report Programs?
So whats the truth about free credit score services. If you’re perplexed by the numerous credit report services out there? It’s important to view your credit files frequently. What can you do? To see your reports more than once, you?ll have to pay a fee to each of the three credit agencies. Not to mention is the lengthy time and headaches it takes working through each of their application process. But there is actually a technique that you can use to easily view your scores without going through all that trouble. You can get it for free as well.
Credit Monitoring Services Explained
It’s by using the various services. These are actually credit report monitoring services that provide a free trial and let’s you check your credit files at no charge. Just make sure to cancel before the free trial ends or you’ll be charged a fee. Free trial periods are different from offer to offer, so be sure to make note of that as well.There’s credit score offers where you can obtain your information from one credit bureau. Some offers lets you view your credit report from all 3 credit bureaus. The three agencies are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. The fact you need to remember is that information listed in one credit bureau file may not match with what’s on the others.
Certain data on your TransUnion credit report may be omitted on the others for example. Or we see cetain mistakes in one file that?s not seen in the others. Many lenders may choose to view one or all three of your credit reports. So it makes sense to get your free credit card report from all three credit bureaus}. Another fact you need to remember is the importance of obtaining your FICO score.
Why FICO Score?
A FICO report is different from your normal credit scores. It uses a different algorithms for calculating your FICO report. Most lenders utilize your FICO report to determine whether you get approved for a loan. Therefore it may be most wise to check your FICO report before asking for a mortgage loan. But in most cases you have to pay a small fee to get your FICO score. But there’s always some free deals out there. Once again compare the various features of these programs. There’s a few offers that do offer a free FICO report.
Personal Credit Report
Nathalie Fiset asked:
Your personal credit report is truly a gold mine of details about you. It has your date of birth, telephone numbers, Social Security number, residence and employment histories, credit payment behavior as well as your legal information. Checking your credit information carefully and familiarizing yourself with all your rights on credit reporting are among the best ways to protect your privacy.
A consumer like you usually has three credit accounts and they are not the same. One of your records may contain information that the other two reports do not. It happens because your creditors and lenders may forward your information to only one or two of the major credit agencies who separately reports data. By monitoring your credit account from the “big three” credit bureaus, you can avoid delays on paying your debts, thus improving your credit score. Moreover, it can also help you stay away from identity theft and fraud.
At times, your credit record may contain information that is incorrect and these can affect your eligibility to make a loan. To be able to check your credit report well, it is important that you know the various sections comprising it and what each section contains.
Parts of a Personal Credit Report
o Consumer Information – this is the part that contains your name, birth date, current and previous address, and employer.
o Credit information – this is a very significant portion of your report since it holds complete information regarding your revolving collection or credit accounts, real estate mortgages and other financial transactions. Every record has the date and the place where the account is opened, the high balance, the terms as well as your payment history.
o Credit Inquiries – your report has a list of individuals or entities that have accessed or have received a copy of your credit history in the last two years.
o Consumer statement – this is the part where you can put a short message such as an explanation for late payments or a fraud alert that happened during a certain period.
o Public Records – this part encloses details of declared bankruptcy, judgment filings and tax liens
o Creditor’s Contact Information – this final part of your credit record has the phone numbers and mailing addresses of your creditors which you can use in case you need to get in touch with them.
There are pieces of personal information that cannot be included in your credit record and these are:
o Medical records (unless the CRAs have your consent)
o Race, Marital Status and age – these details can’t be included if the one requesting for your record is your current or future employer
o If you are residing in California, your records of misdemeanor complaints and arrests should be removed from your file after seven years. Under federal law, however, the accounts of criminal convictions can remain on your credit history for an indefinite period.
o Debts that are over seven years old
o Declaration of Bankruptcy that is done 10 years before
Also, there are certain types of information that may stay on your file forever. If for instance, you are applying for insurance, credit or employment more than the dollar limits mentioned below, the data can remain on your credit history even after the seven or 10 years deadline.
o Record of a job that gives you above $75,000 income
o Unpaid tax liens
o A credit deal that involves or that is anticipated to involve, $150,000 and above
o Life insurance or credit application for more than $150,000
Who can Access my Personal Credit Report?
Any Individual or Entity with a “legal business need” can view or have a copy of your credit history, plus:
o Insurance companies
o Local child support enforcement bureau
o Landlords
o Those who are considering your credit application
o Current or prospective employers (only if they have your conscience)
o Any department of the government (usually restricted to your name, former and present addresses and current and past employers)
o Your credit account company (for record monitoring purposes)
o Departments where you are applying for a government license or benefit (if they are required to take your financial status into account)
In general, only your present or potential employer needs your consent in order to obtain your credit history.
In this era of rampant identity theft, there is a strong need to review your personal credit reports regularly to check its correctness. Remember that it will be used in order to make critical decisions, like your capacity to get loans and credit cards. Hence, you should make sure that your reports are correct and up-to-date.
Marcus
Your personal credit report is truly a gold mine of details about you. It has your date of birth, telephone numbers, Social Security number, residence and employment histories, credit payment behavior as well as your legal information. Checking your credit information carefully and familiarizing yourself with all your rights on credit reporting are among the best ways to protect your privacy.
A consumer like you usually has three credit accounts and they are not the same. One of your records may contain information that the other two reports do not. It happens because your creditors and lenders may forward your information to only one or two of the major credit agencies who separately reports data. By monitoring your credit account from the “big three” credit bureaus, you can avoid delays on paying your debts, thus improving your credit score. Moreover, it can also help you stay away from identity theft and fraud.
At times, your credit record may contain information that is incorrect and these can affect your eligibility to make a loan. To be able to check your credit report well, it is important that you know the various sections comprising it and what each section contains.
Parts of a Personal Credit Report
o Consumer Information – this is the part that contains your name, birth date, current and previous address, and employer.
o Credit information – this is a very significant portion of your report since it holds complete information regarding your revolving collection or credit accounts, real estate mortgages and other financial transactions. Every record has the date and the place where the account is opened, the high balance, the terms as well as your payment history.
o Credit Inquiries – your report has a list of individuals or entities that have accessed or have received a copy of your credit history in the last two years.
o Consumer statement – this is the part where you can put a short message such as an explanation for late payments or a fraud alert that happened during a certain period.
o Public Records – this part encloses details of declared bankruptcy, judgment filings and tax liens
o Creditor’s Contact Information – this final part of your credit record has the phone numbers and mailing addresses of your creditors which you can use in case you need to get in touch with them.
There are pieces of personal information that cannot be included in your credit record and these are:
o Medical records (unless the CRAs have your consent)
o Race, Marital Status and age – these details can’t be included if the one requesting for your record is your current or future employer
o If you are residing in California, your records of misdemeanor complaints and arrests should be removed from your file after seven years. Under federal law, however, the accounts of criminal convictions can remain on your credit history for an indefinite period.
o Debts that are over seven years old
o Declaration of Bankruptcy that is done 10 years before
Also, there are certain types of information that may stay on your file forever. If for instance, you are applying for insurance, credit or employment more than the dollar limits mentioned below, the data can remain on your credit history even after the seven or 10 years deadline.
o Record of a job that gives you above $75,000 income
o Unpaid tax liens
o A credit deal that involves or that is anticipated to involve, $150,000 and above
o Life insurance or credit application for more than $150,000
Who can Access my Personal Credit Report?
Any Individual or Entity with a “legal business need” can view or have a copy of your credit history, plus:
o Insurance companies
o Local child support enforcement bureau
o Landlords
o Those who are considering your credit application
o Current or prospective employers (only if they have your conscience)
o Any department of the government (usually restricted to your name, former and present addresses and current and past employers)
o Your credit account company (for record monitoring purposes)
o Departments where you are applying for a government license or benefit (if they are required to take your financial status into account)
In general, only your present or potential employer needs your consent in order to obtain your credit history.
In this era of rampant identity theft, there is a strong need to review your personal credit reports regularly to check its correctness. Remember that it will be used in order to make critical decisions, like your capacity to get loans and credit cards. Hence, you should make sure that your reports are correct and up-to-date.
Marcus