 TITLE: How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter CONTENT: What Can I Dispute on My Credit Report?\n---------------------------------------\nThe same credit repair firms that sell 609 letters may also suggest you can \"fix\" your credit by having negative items removed. While you can file a dispute for items you feel are incorrect or if you feel you've been the victim of identity theft, it's not likely that accurate information will be removed from your credit report, no matter what format your letter is in. Most negative information, such as late payments, will remain on your credit report for up to seven years.\nHere are a few examples of issues you might address using a dispute letter:\n*   An account was opened in your name as a result of identity theft and it does not belong to you.\n*   An address associated with your file lists the wrong house number.\n*   Your credit card company has reported a late payment, but you have documentation to show the payment was made on time.\n*   Your credit report shows a bankruptcy, but you have never filed for bankruptcy.\n*   An address associated with your file lists the wrong house number. (Keep in mind that identification information, such as name and address variations, do not have any impact on your credit scores.)\nWhat can't you dispute on a credit report? Generally speaking, you can't dispute accurate information. So, if that one payment was late because you were in a rush to the airport to start your vacation and forgot to mail the check, if the payment never got sent, it's not really disputable. On the other hand, it's always wise to contact your lender and notify them when you have an extenuating circumstance that may cause you to miss a payment. And, if you have documentation from a lender stating that they have agreed to remove the late payment, you can submit a copy of that letter along with your dispute to have it corrected. END