Obtaining, Understanding and Correcting Your Credit Report (cont.)
Contributed by Umehani
Most credit reports will list negative items first and then the positive ones. They will also state which information is viewed by third parties and which is viewed only by you. The report will also contain a list of parties that have requested information about your credit history.
Disputing information on a credit report
After examining your credit report if you find information which is incorrect, you may dispute it with the reporting agency. There is a form which you may fill and send to the bureau either by regular mail or online. In most cases you will hear back from the bureau within six to eight weeks regarding your dispute. Any information which is found to be incorrect after investigation will be removed from the report.
Understanding your credit report is the first step in making sure you are in charge of your financial future. Always be aware of who has access to your information in order to avoid identity theft and fraud. Never give out any information which may be used against you without verifying how and who will use it.
