Finding any sort of inaccuracy, especially financial inaccuracy on your credit report isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a full-blown panic attack for many. It can drag your credit score down and keep it there, if not for the handy 609 credit repair dispute letter.
You can challenge any inaccurate or even accurate information (or items) on your credit report with 609 dispute letter. It is a method for requesting the removal of information that may be impacting your credit score negatively with the power of Fair Credit Reporting Act section 609; hence the name. The legal implications allow for a quick fix of your credit score. This is the appeal that has many wanting to learn more about this method.
This article is written to help you know all that you need to know about 609 credit repair. A good credit score is just an article’s length away. So let’s start from the start with section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Understanding Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows for a consumer to exercise their fairly given right to request a copy of their credit report and all the information stated in it. Keep it in mind that the section only allows for a consumer to assert their right to all the information on their credit report. However, it doesn’t discuss a consumer’s right to dispute inaccurate information anywhere explicitly.
A consumer can request complete information in their credit files along with its source. They can request information on all the prospective employers who have assessed their credit report in the previous two years. However, they can’t request any information regarding an investigation. The consumer also has a right to request information on businesses that have made soft inquiries on the consumer within the last year.
But despite popular belief, 609 credit repair doesn’t require credit bureaus to comply and provide proof of the consumer’s accounts. In essence, FCRA grants the right to the consumer to dispute unverified or inaccurate information.
When disputed information can’t be verified or confirmed, the credit reporting agencies must remove it. If you request the description of the dispute process in writing, the credit reporting agencies are obligated to provide it. The bureaus are not required to remove information on your credit report if it is found to be accurate.
So let’s get to how 609 credit repair works:
How 609 Credit Repair Works
A 609 dispute letter asks the credit bureaus for proof of information that would be difficult to obtain or uncover. This makes the verification process difficult for them. The letter itself is based on their responsibility to report only verified information. Hence, 609 credit repair can help in the removal of unsubstantial or uncredited information on a consumer’s credit report.
On the contrary, if the information is found to be accurate or verified by the creditor, it will be added back to the consumer’s file. Even if the information is deleted, you are still obligated to pay any legitimate debts that you owe. Information found to be true will remain part of the credit report. In fact under section 609 of FCRA, the consumer can request disclosure of the information in their credit file.
When writing a 609 dispute letter to the credit bureaus, there is specific verbiage that you need to use. Items such as birth certificate, driver’s license, bills, etc. will suffice for proof of identity.
Sample Letter
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Name of the complain department]
[City, State, Zip code]
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to file a dispute and exercise my right under section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Please find the attachments and view the inaccuracies I have circled in my credit report.
[This is what you will be addressing. List account names and account numbers]. I believe the [item of the dispute] is inaccurate because [reason].
Additionally, for the sake of identification, I am attaching documents such as my birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, and phone bill.
If you are unable to verify the inaccuracies, I request that the disputed item be deleted to correct the information. Please look into this matter and have it resolved in the next 30 days.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Enclosed documents: [name the documents enclosed]
Another example of the body is:
I am exercising my right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Section 609, to request information regarding an item that is listed on my consumer credit report.
[List account names and account numbers]
As per section 609, I am entitled to see the source of the information, including the original contract that contains my signature.
As proof of my identity, I have included copies of my birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, driver’s license, W-2, rental agreement and a cell phone bill. I have also included a copy of my credit report with the account circled and highlighted. I am requesting to have this account verified.
If you are unable to verify the account with the original contract, this account should be removed from my credit report within 30 days.
Does it Really Help?
This is the million-dollar question. 609 credit repair is just another method to dispute any error that you may find on your credit report. Whether you dispute directly or with a 609 dispute letter, it has no significant difference whatsoever. In any case, if you have a valid concern, it is the responsibility of the credit bureau to investigate. They must remove any unverified information that may be present on your credit report. Whereas accurate and verified information will remain.
Flaws in the Process
There are several flaws with 609 credit repair that can make the disputed information be identified as valid. The FCRA does not require the credit bureaus to provide or keep proof of debts (or signed contracts). Consequently, it doesn’t guarantee the removal of information that can be inaccurate. At the same time, accurate information will remain on the credit report. This is why it is very important to practice good financial habits regularly.
In case you are in a rush to apply for a line of credit or a loan, the process can slow you down. You can file your dispute with the credit bureau simply online.
Take Expert’s Help
In case you don’t know where to start, there are many credit repair services available. However, finding one possessing all the necessary expertise may difficult to find. Luckily for you, we are the #1 credit repair service with a guarantee to increase your credit score within 90 days. We will be sure to detect all possible unfair negative items on your credit report and have them removed.
It is your right to file a dispute if you believe there is illegitimate information dragging your credit score down. You can opt for doing it yourself. Moreover, credit repair is a lengthy, time-consuming, and technical process. If you can’t keep up with the process, we can do it for you. Call to speak with one of our credit consultants today at 949-258-7026.
