subject: Credit Repair Tips - What To Do If There Are Errors Or Mistakes On Your Credit Report [print this page] Did you know that a lot of the negative entries that appear on credit reports are mistakes? Mistakes the consumer isn't even aware of. And, in most cases those mistakes are the only reason some people do not get approved for credit. If there are damaging items on your report, you can get them removed using effective credit repair tips.
It's common for credit files to be mixed up, especially for people who have similar names. Information belonging to a different individual can be mixed with your information. If the information is derogatory, this will greatly affect your creditworthiness. Another cause of error is fraud. This happens when someone intentionally gained access to your personal information and obtained credit in your name.
Any of these can cause incorrect entries on your report. You may not know there are mistakes on your report until you are denied credit.
Although mistakes can wreck havoc on your credit rating, there are some things you can do to take control of the situation. If there are mistakes on your report, the law allows you to take action immediately.
First, get a copy of your credit report. It's a good idea to obtain a copy of your report from the three major credit bureaus each year to make sure everything is being reported accurately.
A credit bureau may charge you a small fee for a copy of your report. But if you have been denied credit within the past 60 days because of information contained in your report, you can get it at no charge. Also, you can get a free copy of your report one time a year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
When you receive your report, review it carefully. If you see any errors make sure to take care of it immediately. You have the right to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information that is contained in your report. There is no charge for this. Submit your dispute in writing, along with any supporting documentation. After you have finished deleting negative entries, it's time to start adding positive information to your file. There are several powerful ways you can add positive items on your report.
If you are armed with the correct information, you can fix your credit report without paying someone to do it for you. There are excellent resources or guides that can show you the proper way to repair your credit.
