The first step to making certain that the information contained in your consumer credit report is accurate is to get a copy of it. There are several credit reporting agencies, and you'll need to contact each one individually. There's usually a charge, but it's very important to make sure the information about you is up-to-date and accurate. Read the report according to the instructions included with the report. If there are errors, contact the agency in writing, supplying any needed documentation. They'll usually respond within 60 days. If they've made a mistake, it's important they correct it and inform any lending institution that has the wrong information about you. If the information is correct but unflattering, you can have a written explanation of up to 100 words attached to your file. However, if the information is correct, only the creditor can have it removed entirely. It doesn't hurt to try to negotiate directly with any creditor that has listed unflattering information about you. For more information about correcting your credit report, contact a credit counseling service or the credit reporting agencies themselves.
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