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Informed Citizens

are Better Citizens

Your credit score and credit history is key to your financial health. Making sure that you keep your credit records accurate is very important for your overall financial well-being. Consumers are permitted to dispute information in their credit report and should begin by obtaining a copy of their report. Consumers can obtain their free credit reports once every 12 months from the three top credit reporting agencies Experian, TransUnion and Equifax by going to their websites. Review your credit report carefully, and if you believe that there is inaccurate information on your credit report, you can take steps to have the information removed.

Highlight all information on the reports that is incorrect or inaccurate, and keep accurate notes of all items. Some examples include incorrect personal information, negative items beyond the “Statute of Limitations for Reporting,” inaccurate reporting of account or other information, Duplicate reporting of an item, and fraud or identity theft information. Search online for the specific “Statute of Limitations for Reporting” because these limits are an important step in determining whether the information is obsolete and if a dispute is the correct course of action.

Report the information you have identified to the credit reporting agencies with a request for correction/deletion depending on your specific dispute. Mailing your letters certified or return receipt requested is strongly recommended. Doing this review of your credit at least once a year will go a long way to keeping your credit score healthy.—Joseph R. Novick, Esq., Law Offices of Joseph R. Novick, Esq.