As a consumer you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to dispute a debt that may have shown up on your credit. Consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) and data furnishers (collection agency or original creditor) must provide the consumer an avenue to dispute a debt that they believe is wrong, whether that be regarding the balance of the debt or the fact that it never existed and has been reported in error. But most consumers do not know exactly what they need to properly file a dispute.

Here are the eight things you need to correctly file a dispute: 1) your consumer report, 2) social security number, 3) date of birth, 4) current address, 5) company name of the disputed item, 6) account number, 7) a formal reason for the dispute, and 8) any corrections to your personal information. If these items are not provided, the credit reporting agency or collection agency can reject the dispute attempt as frivolous or irrelevant due to insufficient information. Filing a dispute because you simply refused to pay, were sick or unemployed is considered a frivolous or irrelevant dispute.

Once you have this information contact the credit reporting agency or collection agency in writing to begin the investigation process. Once notified, collection agencies have 30-45 days to complete the investigation and respond with an answer. If the information on your credit is inaccurate, the data furnisher must correct the information on your credit. For more information about your rights under the law please visit http://www.askdoctordebt.com. Darnel Quick Recovery, Inc. can be contact at (770) 786-4500 or http://www.darnelrecovery.com.