When the reinvestigation is complete, the credit bureau must give you the written results and a FREE credit report if the credit dispute results in a change. If a credit item is changed or removed, the credit reporting agency cannot put the disputed credit information back in your credit file unless the creditor verifies its accuracy and the credit bureau gives you a written notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the creditor. If you request, the credit reporting agency must send notices of corrections to anyone who received your credit report in the past six months. If a reinvestigation does not resolve your credit dispute, ask the credit bureau to include your statement of the credit dispute in your file and in future credit reports. In addition to writing to the credit reporting agency, tell the creditor that you dispute a credit item.
Many creditors specify an address for credit disputes.
If the creditor then reports the credit item to any credit bureau, it must include a notice of your dispute. If the disputed credit information is not accurate-the creditor may not use it again. When negative credit information in your credit report is accurate, the passage of time can assure its removal. Negative information can generally stay on your credit report for 7 years. Bankruptcy may be reported for 10 years.