Credit Repair: Sample 609 Letters & Boost Your Score

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Account # [Account Number]

Dear [Credit Bureau Name] Dispute Department,

I am writing to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report. I am referring to account number [Account Number] listed on the report I received on [Date you received the report].

The information I am disputing is [Specifically state what is inaccurate – e.g., “the balance is incorrect,” “the account is not mine,” “the account was discharged in bankruptcy”].

I believe this information is inaccurate because [Explain why the information is inaccurate – e.g., “I have paid off the balance,” “I have never had an account with this creditor,” “This debt was discharged in my bankruptcy case (copy of discharge attached)”].

I request that you investigate this matter and remove or correct the inaccurate information as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). I have enclosed copies of [Mention any supporting documentation – e.g., “payment confirmation,” “affidavit of identity theft,” “bankruptcy discharge papers”] to support my claim.

Please send me confirmation of your investigation and the results within 30 days as required by the FCRA.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374

Subject: Formal Dispute of Credit Report Information

Dear Equifax Dispute Department,

I am writing to formally dispute the following inaccurate information listed on my credit report. I am enclosing a copy of my credit report with the disputed items highlighted for your convenience. My personal identification information is as follows:

* Full Name: [Your Full Name]
* Current Address: [Your Current Address]
* Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
* Social Security Number: [Last four digits only: XXX-XX-[Your Last Four Digits]]

The specific item(s) I am disputing are as follows:

1. **Account Name:** [Name of the Creditor or Collection Agency]
**Account Number:** [Account Number]
**Reason for Dispute:** [Clearly and concisely explain the reason for your dispute. For example: “This account does not belong to me and is the result of identity theft.” OR “The reported balance is incorrect and does not reflect my payments.” OR “This account was included in a bankruptcy discharge.” ]
**Supporting Documentation:** [List any supporting documents you are including, such as a police report, payment confirmations, or bankruptcy discharge papers.]

I am requesting that you investigate these inaccuracies and remove or correct them immediately, as required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). I expect a written response detailing the results of your investigation within 30 days, as mandated by the FCRA.

Please update my credit report accordingly and provide me with a free copy of the revised report once the corrections have been made.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013

Subject: Formal Dispute of Inaccurate Information on Credit Report

Dear Experian Dispute Department,

I am writing to dispute several inaccuracies on my Experian credit report. I have enclosed a copy of my Experian credit report with the disputed items clearly highlighted. Below are the details of each disputed item:

* **Full Name:** [Your Full Name]
* **Current Address:** [Your Current Address]
* **Date of Birth:** [Your Date of Birth]
* **Social Security Number (Last 4 Digits):** XXX-XX-[Your Last Four Digits]

**Item 1: [Creditor/Collection Agency Name] – Account Number: [Account Number]**
* **Dispute Reason:** [Specifically explain the inaccuracy. Example: “This account is not mine. It appears to be the result of identity theft. I have filed a police report (attached).” Or “The reported payment history is inaccurate. I have made all payments on time and have enclosed proof of payments.” Or “The account balance is incorrect. The account was settled for a lesser amount on [Date], and the report is not reflecting this settlement. I have enclosed a copy of the settlement agreement.”].

**Item 2: [Public Record Item, e.g., Tax Lien or Judgment] – Case Number: [Case Number]**
* **Dispute Reason:** [Specifically explain the inaccuracy. Example: “This tax lien was satisfied on [Date] and should be removed from my credit report. I have enclosed a copy of the release.” Or “This judgment does not belong to me. It is for someone with a similar name but a different date of birth and address. I have enclosed documentation to verify my identity.”].

I request that you thoroughly investigate these inaccuracies and remove or correct them as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). I have provided supporting documentation to substantiate my claims.

Please provide me with a written response within 30 days detailing the results of your investigation. I also request a free copy of my updated credit report reflecting the corrections.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Subject: Formal Credit Dispute – Inaccurate Information on Credit Report

Dear TransUnion Dispute Department,

I am writing to dispute inaccurate information appearing on my TransUnion credit report. I have enclosed a copy of my credit report with the items I am disputing highlighted for your convenience. My personal information is as follows:

* Full Name: [Your Full Name]
* Current Address: [Your Current Address]
* Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
* Social Security Number (Last 4 digits): XXX-XX-[Your Last Four Digits]

I am disputing the following item(s):

**Account 1: [Name of Creditor/Collection Agency] – Account Number: [Account Number]**
* **Reason for Dispute:** [State clearly and concisely why you are disputing this item. Examples: “This account is not mine. I believe I am a victim of identity theft and have filed a police report (copy enclosed).” OR “The reported balance is incorrect. I have proof that I paid off the balance on [Date] (copy of payment confirmation enclosed).” OR “The account is being reported as delinquent; however, I have been making consistent on-time payments (payment history enclosed).”].

**Account 2: [If Applicable: Another Incorrect Account] – Account Number: [Account Number]**
* **Reason for Dispute:** [State clearly and concisely why you are disputing this item].

I request that you investigate these inaccuracies and remove or correct them as soon as possible, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). I have included supporting documentation to prove the inaccuracies I am disputing.

Please provide me with a written response within 30 days outlining the results of your investigation, including any changes made to my credit report. I also request a free copy of my updated TransUnion credit report reflecting these changes.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Formal Dispute of Debt – Account # [Account Number] – Notice of Validation Request

Dear [Collection Agency Name],

This letter is to formally dispute the debt you claim I owe, account number [Account Number]. I received your collection notice on [Date you received the notice]. Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, I am requesting validation of this debt.

I am requesting the following information to validate this debt:

* Verification that you have the legal right to collect this debt.
* A copy of the original credit agreement with my signature.
* A complete payment history from the original creditor.
* The name and address of the original creditor.

Please note that until you provide me with the requested validation, I am not obligated to pay this debt, and you are prohibited from continuing collection activities, including contacting me or reporting this debt to the credit bureaus.

If you fail to provide validation of this debt within 30 days, I demand that you cease all collection activities and remove this debt from my credit report.

Be advised that if you fail to validate this debt and continue collection activities, I reserve the right to pursue legal action against you for violation of the FDCPA.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
[Creditor City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Dispute of Credit Report Information – Account # [Account Number] – Identity Theft

Dear [Creditor Name] Dispute Department,

I am writing to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report regarding account number [Account Number]. I believe this account was opened fraudulently without my knowledge or consent and is a result of identity theft.

I did not authorize this account, and I have never had any dealings with your company. I have already filed a police report regarding this identity theft incident (copy enclosed). I have also filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

I request that you immediately investigate this matter and remove all information related to this fraudulent account from my credit report. I am also requesting that you provide me with any and all information you have regarding the application for this account, including the IP address used to open the account, the phone number provided on the application, and any other identifying information.

I am providing you with a copy of my driver’s license, a copy of my Social Security card, and a copy of the police report as proof of my identity and the identity theft.

Please confirm in writing that you have received this dispute and that you are taking steps to investigate this matter. I expect to receive an updated credit report within 30 days reflecting the removal of this fraudulent account.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Follow-Up to Credit Dispute – Account # [Account Number]

Dear [Credit Bureau Name] Dispute Department,

I am writing to follow up on my previous dispute letter, which I sent on [Date of original dispute letter], regarding inaccurate information on my credit report concerning account number [Account Number].

As of today, I have not received any response from you regarding my dispute. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to investigate and respond to disputes within 30 days.

I am again requesting that you investigate this matter and remove or correct the inaccurate information as required by the FCRA. The specific information I am disputing is [Specifically state what is inaccurate].

I have enclosed a copy of my original dispute letter and any supporting documentation I previously provided.

I expect to receive a written response within 15 days detailing the results of your investigation. If I do not receive a response within this timeframe, I will consider further action, including filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and seeking legal counsel.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
[Creditor City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Demand for Deletion – “Pay for Delete” Agreement – Account # [Account Number]

Dear [Creditor Name],

This letter pertains to account number [Account Number], which you have reported negatively on my credit report. I am writing to request a “pay for delete” agreement.

I am willing to pay [Specific Amount or Percentage] of the outstanding balance on this account in exchange for your written agreement to completely delete all negative information related to this account from my credit report with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

If you agree to this arrangement, please provide me with a written agreement outlining the terms of the “pay for delete” agreement, including the exact amount to be paid, the date by which the payment must be received, and a guarantee that the negative information will be completely deleted from my credit report within [Number] days of receiving the payment.

I understand that “pay for delete” agreements are not always guaranteed, but I am willing to negotiate in good faith to resolve this matter. I will only make the payment upon receiving a signed agreement from you.

Please respond to this letter within 15 days indicating whether you are willing to enter into a “pay for delete” agreement. If you are not willing to do so, please explain your reasoning.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Original Creditor Name]
[Original Creditor Address]
[Original Creditor City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Cease and Desist Communication – Account # [Account Number]

Dear [Original Creditor Name],

I am writing to request that you immediately cease all communication with me regarding account number [Account Number]. This includes, but is not limited to, phone calls, letters, emails, and any other form of contact.

I am aware that this account may have been sold to a collection agency; however, I am still exercising my right to cease communication with the original creditor as well.

Please be advised that I am aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and I will take legal action if you continue to contact me after receiving this letter.

All future correspondence regarding this account should be directed to my attorney:
[Attorney’s Name]
[Attorney’s Address]
[Attorney’s City, State, Zip Code]
[Attorney’s Phone Number]

Please confirm in writing that you have received this cease and desist letter and that you will comply with my request.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Subject: Complaint Regarding [Credit Bureau Name] and [Collection Agency Name] for FCRA Violations

Dear Federal Trade Commission,

I am writing to file a formal complaint against [Credit Bureau Name] and [Collection Agency Name] for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

On [Date], I sent a dispute letter to [Credit Bureau Name] regarding inaccurate information on my credit report concerning account number [Account Number] with [Collection Agency Name]. The specific information I disputed was [Specifically state what was inaccurate]. I provided supporting documentation to substantiate my claim.

To date, [Credit Bureau Name] has failed to [Choose one or more: investigate my dispute, provide me with the results of their investigation, remove the inaccurate information from my credit report]. This is a violation of the FCRA.

Additionally, [Collection Agency Name] has [Choose one or more: continued to contact me after I requested validation of the debt, failed to provide me with validation of the debt, made false or misleading statements regarding the debt]. This is a violation of the FDCPA.

I have attached copies of my dispute letter, supporting documentation, and any correspondence I have received from [Credit Bureau Name] and [Collection Agency Name].

I request that the FTC investigate these violations and take appropriate action to ensure that [Credit Bureau Name] and [Collection Agency Name] comply with the FCRA and the FDCPA.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Request for Method of Verification – Account # [Account Number]

Dear [Credit Bureau Name] Dispute Department,

I am writing to request the method of verification used to confirm the accuracy of account number [Account Number], which I previously disputed on [Date of original dispute].

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires credit bureaus to verify the accuracy of information they report. I am requesting to know the specific method you used to verify the information with the creditor. This includes, but is not limited to, the name of the person you spoke with, the date of the verification, and any documents you reviewed.

Knowing the method of verification will help me to further investigate this matter and provide additional information to support my dispute.

Please provide me with this information within 15 days as required by the FCRA.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Collection Agency Name]
[Collection Agency Address]
[Collection Agency City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Debt Settlement Offer – Account # [Account Number]

Dear [Collection Agency Name],

This letter is to propose a debt settlement agreement for account number [Account Number], which you claim I owe. I am willing to settle this debt for a lump sum payment of [Dollar Amount] in full satisfaction of the debt.

This offer is contingent upon the following conditions:

* Upon receipt of the settlement payment, you will immediately cease all collection activities.
* You will provide me with a written release confirming that the debt is settled in full.
* You will report the account to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) as “settled” or “paid in full.”

This settlement offer is a one-time offer and is valid for [Number] days. If I do not receive a response within this timeframe, the offer will be withdrawn.

Please confirm in writing whether you accept this settlement offer. If you accept, please provide me with instructions on how to make the payment.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Request to Remove Duplicate Accounts – Inaccurate Credit Report

Dear [Credit Bureau Name] Dispute Department,

I am writing to request the removal of duplicate accounts that are incorrectly appearing on my credit report. I have identified multiple instances where the same debt is listed more than once, causing an inaccurate and inflated negative impact on my credit score.

The following accounts appear to be duplicates:

* [Account Name 1] – Account Number: [Account Number 1]
* [Account Name 2] – Account Number: [Account Number 2] (This account appears to be a duplicate of the account above.)
* [Account Name 3] – Account Number: [Account Number 3]
* [Account Name 4] – Account Number: [Account Number 4] (This account appears to be a duplicate of the account above.)

I believe these duplicate entries are the result of [Explain possible reasons, e.g., errors in reporting, sale of debt to multiple collection agencies].

I request that you investigate these accounts and remove the duplicate entries from my credit report. I have enclosed a copy of my credit report with the duplicate accounts highlighted.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Request for Credit File Disclosure – Fair Credit Reporting Act

Dear [Credit Bureau Name] Compliance Department,

I am writing to request a complete disclosure of all information contained in my credit file, as is my right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) 15 U.S.C. § 1681g.

I request that you provide me with a copy of my credit report, including all scores and the information used to calculate those scores, any inquiries made on my credit file, and any other information pertaining to my credit history maintained by your agency.

My identifying information is as follows:

* Full Name: [Your Full Name]
* Current Address: [Your Current Address]
* Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
* Social Security Number (Last 4 Digits): XXX-XX-[Your Last Four Digits]

Please send the requested information to the address listed above within 30 days as required by the FCRA.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

[Landlord Name or Property Management Company]
[Landlord Address or Property Management Company Address]
[Landlord City, State, Zip Code or Property Management Company City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Dispute of Rental Debt Reported to Credit Bureaus – Account # (If Known)

Dear [Landlord Name or Property Management Company],

I am writing to dispute a rental debt that you have reported to the credit bureaus. I am referring to the debt associated with my tenancy at [Address of Rental Property] from [Start Date of Tenancy] to [End Date of Tenancy].

I am disputing this debt for the following reason(s):

* [Choose one or more and elaborate: “I believe I paid all rent due during my tenancy.” Provide proof of payment if available.]
* [ “I was wrongfully evicted and do not owe any further rent.” Provide documentation of the eviction if available.]
* [ “The property was not properly maintained, and I am entitled to a rent reduction.” Provide photos or documentation of the property condition.]
* [ “The charges are incorrect or unsubstantiated.” Request a detailed breakdown of the charges.]

I request that you investigate this matter and provide me with documentation to support the validity of this debt. If you cannot provide sufficient documentation, I demand that you immediately remove this debt from my credit report.

I have enclosed copies of [List any supporting documents, such as lease agreement, rent receipts, photos, etc.].

Please respond to this letter within 30 days outlining the steps you will take to resolve this dispute.