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By applying for credit through a bank or
other lender that subscribes to a credit
reporting agency outside the area, there's every
reason to believe that some damaging information
will not appear in your file. Remember, the
only way bankers and lenders can survive is to
extend credit to consumers. By taking steps
to sidestep one credit report that has negative
entries, and taking advantage of another that
show you as a good credit risk, creditors will
practically force hard cash into your hand.
Here's
how:
- Obtain a credit report from one of the
credit bureaus to determine if there are
damaging entries that might cause your credit
application to be denied.
- Call several banks of other lenders and
ask the receptionist, etc., which credit
bureau they use in their application approval
process. If the individual tells you they
don't know, ask them to find out.
- Select a bank or lender that subscribes
to a credit reporting agency other than the
one typically used in the area.
- Obtain a credit report from the credit
reporting agency that your selected lender
uses.
- Repeat step number 4 until you find a
report that is favorable to you and shows the
least negative entries.
- The only thing left for you to do is
apply with that bank, lender, or other
creditor that subscribes to the credit bureau
that has a credit report the most favorable
to you.
BULLDOG TACTICS When you receive your
credit report, write down every piece of
information that is inaccurate or untrue.
Even if an entry is partially true, you may
still want to dispute it, especially if your
credit report will be improved as a result.
Read all of the instructions on the back of
your credit report very carefully. Symbols
may be used for much of the information
entered and you will have to understand each
one. It's easy to become confused but a
number you can call if you have a question
will be provided.
Here are steps you
can take to have damaging entries removed from
your credit report:
- Make a list of inaccurate or untrue
entries that you find in your credit
report.
- Call the credit bureau and tell the
appropriate person that you want to dispute
an entry you have noted on your credit
report.
- Don't allow any credit bureau employee to
talk you out of proceeding with your appeal.
To avoid a distracting confrontation, don't
even tell them you want to challenge. They
won't initiate any action on your behalf
anyway until they receive your appeal request
in writing.
- To initiate the proper appeal procedure,
ask the person you speak with to send you a
Dispute Form.
- Complete the Dispute Form and return it
to the credit bureau by certified mail.
- When the credit bureau receives your
written dispute request they will then
attempt to verify the dispute you have
indicated with the bank, lender, or creditor
responsible for having the damaging
information listed.
- You will be notified of their decision
within 30-45 days
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