 TITLE: What Is a Direct Dispute? CONTENT: How Do I File a Direct Dispute?\n-------------------------------\nUnlike indirect disputes, where there are websites, addresses and phone numbers set up to accept your dispute, the same process does not exist when you contact the lender directly. However, that doesn't mean you won't be able to correct the information with your lender or a debt collector. In fact, the process is relatively simple. Follow these steps:\n1.  Contact your lender or debt collector. The fastest way to do this is by simply picking up the phone and calling them. It's not difficult to get a representative on the phone from either a lender or a debt collector.\n2.  Tell them you disagree with the information they reported to the credit reporting agencies, identify what you believe to be incorrect, and why. This can be as simple as, \"The balance you've reported on my credit reports is incorrect and I'd like you to correct it.\"\n3.  Once you've communicated your dispute, the data furnisher must perform a reasonable investigation into your claim. That investigation will vary based on your dispute. For example, if you claim the balance is being reported incorrectly, the lender will likely check their records for payments relative to the principal balance. If you claim a late payment is incorrect, the lender will likely check your payment record against due dates. The process will take no longer than 30 days and in most cases will take much less time.\n4.  Once the lender has completed the investigation into your claims, they will request changes or deletions to the credit reporting companies, as warranted. Your lender is required to change incorrect information with all the credit reporting companies where the information appears. The updated information may take a couple of billing cycles to appear in your credit report. If the information you disputed is accurate, however, it's not likely that your credit report will be changed.\nKeep in mind that there are certain items on your credit reports that are not subject to the dispute process. For example, your credit score isn't a disputable item. END