Credit Secrets & Tips Blog

Upon receipt of your dispute letter, the credit bureau first reviews and considers the relevant information you have submitted regarding to the nature of your dispute.

If the review doesn’t resolve your dispute and further investigation is required, notification of your dispute is provided to the creditor, including the relevant information you submitted.  The creditor reviews the information provided, conducts an investigation and reports the result back to the credit bureau.

The credit bureau then makes deletions, or changes to your credit file based on the creditor’s investigation result.  The name, address, and the telephone number of the creditor is shown under the result section on the cover letter that comes with the copy of your revised credit file.

If you still disagree with an item after it has been verified, you may send second or third dispute letter with additional documents to support your dispute.

You may also send a 100 words brief statement, explaining the nature of your dispute.  Your statement will become part of your credit file and will be disclosed each time that your credit file is reviewed.

You have the right to request that the credit bureau sends your revised credit file to any company that received your credit file in the past 6 months for any purpose or in the past 2 years for employment purpose.

Remember, the credit bureau is not necessary to do so unless you ask!

Credit and charge card fraud costs cardholders and issuers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While theft is the most obvious form of fraud, it can occur in other ways.

For example, someone may use your card number without your knowledge.  It’s not always possible to prevent credit or charge card fraud from happening.

But there are a few steps you can take to make it more difficult for a crook to capture your card or card numbers and minimize the possibility.

1.  Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.

2.  Carry your cards separately from your wallet,in a zippered compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.

3.  Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place. Keep an eye on your card during the transaction,and get it back as quickly as possible.

4.  Void incorrect receipts.

5.  Destroy carbons.

6   Save receipts to compare with billing statements.

7.  Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.

8.  Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing to the card issuer.

9.  Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

10. Don’t lend your card(s) to anyone. Don’t leave cards or receipts lying around.

11. Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt,draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.