What is a 609 Dispute Letter?
A 609 dispute letter is a formal request sent to credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to challenge inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information on your credit report. It leverages Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which grants you the right to request validation of the accuracy of your credit information. This letter is a crucial tool in your credit repair journey. Remember to always keep copies of the letters you send and any responses you receive for your records.
How to Write an Effective 609 Dispute Letter
Crafting a strong 609 dispute letter involves being clear, concise, and providing all necessary information. Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report from each of the three major bureaus. Carefully review each entry and identify the specific inaccuracies you want to dispute. In your letter, clearly state the item you are disputing, explain why you believe it is inaccurate, and provide any supporting documentation you have. Remember to send each letter via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery.
609 Dispute Letter Samples
Below are example 609 dispute letters for various situations. Remember to customize each template to fit your specific needs and the inaccuracies on your credit report. Substitute the bracketed information with your own details.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Account Number: [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report:
* Creditor Name: [Creditor Name]
* Account Number: [Account Number]
* Item Being Disputed: [Specifically describe the inaccurate item, e.g., “Incorrect balance,” “Late payment reported in error,” “Account not belonging to me.”]
* Reason for Dispute: [Explain why the information is inaccurate. Be specific. For example, “The balance is incorrect. My records show a balance of [Correct Balance],” or “I made the payment on time on [Date of Payment],” or “This account does not belong to me. I have never opened an account with this creditor.”]
I request that you investigate this matter and remove or correct the inaccurate information as soon as possible. I have enclosed copies of [Supporting Documents, e.g., payment records, identity theft report, etc.] to support my claim.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 2: Generic Dispute
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Formal Dispute of Credit Report Information
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to formally dispute information appearing on my credit report. My identifying information is as follows:
* Name: [Your Full Name]
* Address: [Your Current Address]
* Date of Birth: [Your Date of Birth]
* Social Security Number: [Your Social Security Number]
I am disputing the following item(s):
1. Creditor: [Creditor’s Name], Account Number: [Account Number]. Reason for Dispute: [Briefly state the reason for the dispute, e.g., “This account is not mine,” or “The balance is incorrect.”]
2. Creditor: [Creditor’s Name], Account Number: [Account Number]. Reason for Dispute: [Briefly state the reason for the dispute.]
I am requesting that you investigate these items and remove or correct any inaccurate information. I have enclosed copies of [List any supporting documents, e.g., driver’s license, utility bill] to support my dispute.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and a corrected credit report.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: Dispute of a Late Payment
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Late Payment Reporting – Account Number [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute a late payment reported on my credit report by [Creditor Name] for account number [Account Number]. The late payment is listed as occurring on [Date of Late Payment].
I am disputing this late payment because [State the reason for your dispute. Examples: “I made the payment on time,” “The payment was made within the grace period,” or “I had an agreement with the creditor regarding payment arrangements.”].
I have enclosed [Mention any supporting documents like bank statements, payment confirmations, or communication with the creditor] as evidence to support my claim that this late payment was reported in error.
I request that you investigate this matter and remove the inaccurate late payment reporting from my credit report. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 4: Dispute of Incorrect Account Balance
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Account Balance – Account Number [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the account balance reported by [Creditor Name] on my credit report for account number [Account Number]. The reported balance is [Reported Balance], which I believe to be inaccurate.
The correct balance should be [Your Correct Balance]. [Explain why you believe the balance is incorrect. Provide specific details. For example, “I made a payment of [Amount] on [Date], which has not been reflected in the reported balance,” or “I have a statement showing a balance of [Correct Balance] as of [Date].”].
I have enclosed a copy of [Mention supporting documents, such as account statements, payment confirmations, or any other relevant documentation] to verify the correct balance of the account.
I request that you investigate this matter and update my credit report to reflect the correct account balance. Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 5: Dispute of an Account Not Belonging to You (Identity Theft)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Account Not Mine – Potential Identity Theft
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute an account appearing on my credit report that does not belong to me. I believe I may be a victim of identity theft.
The account in question is with [Creditor Name], account number [Account Number]. I have never opened an account with this creditor, nor have I authorized anyone to do so on my behalf. I first noticed this unauthorized account on [Date you first noticed the account].
I have already filed a police report regarding this identity theft (report number: [Police Report Number], if applicable) and have enclosed a copy of the report, along with a copy of my [Driver’s License/Other ID] for verification. I am also including an affidavit of fraud.
I request that you immediately remove this fraudulent account from my credit report and conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. I also request that you place a fraud alert on my credit file to prevent further unauthorized activity.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 6: Request for Method of Verification
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Method of Verification – Account Number: [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request the method of verification used to confirm the accuracy of the following information on my credit report:
* Creditor Name: [Creditor Name]
* Account Number: [Account Number]
* Item Being Questioned: [Describe the item, e.g., “Late payment reported on [Date]”]
I previously disputed this information on [Date of Previous Dispute]. While I understand you may have verified the information with the creditor, I am requesting specific details about the *method* used to verify its accuracy. Under Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I am entitled to this information.
Please provide me with the documents or procedures used to verify the accuracy of the disputed item. This will help me further understand the basis for the information reported on my credit report.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 7: Disputing a Collection Account
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Collection Account – Account Number [Collection Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute a collection account appearing on my credit report. The collection account is with [Collection Agency Name], account number [Collection Account Number], originally belonging to [Original Creditor Name].
I am disputing this account because [Choose *one* of the following reasons, or provide your specific reason]:
* “I do not believe I owe this debt. I have no record of an account with [Original Creditor Name].”
* “The statute of limitations has expired on this debt. The last activity date was [Date].”
* “I previously paid this debt, and it should not be in collections.”
* “The amount being claimed is incorrect. I believe the correct amount owed is [Correct Amount].”
[If applicable, add: “I have enclosed copies of [Supporting documents, such as payment confirmation, previous correspondence, etc.] to support my claim.”]
I request that you investigate this matter and remove this inaccurate collection account from my credit report. I also request verification of the debt in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 8: Follow-Up Letter After No Response
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Follow-Up Regarding Credit Report Dispute – [Account Number, if applicable]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to follow up on a credit report dispute I submitted on [Date of Original Dispute]. The dispute concerned the following item(s):
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number] – [Brief Description of the Disputed Item]
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number] – [Brief Description of the Disputed Item]
As of today, I have not received a response or confirmation that my dispute is being investigated. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires you to investigate and respond to disputes within 30 days (or 45 days under certain circumstances).
I request that you immediately investigate these items and provide me with an update on the status of my dispute. If the investigation is complete, please provide me with the results and any corrections made to my credit report.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I expect a response within [State a reasonable timeframe, e.g., 10 days].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 9: Dispute Due to Bankruptcy
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Account Discharged in Bankruptcy
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute information on my credit report regarding accounts that were discharged in bankruptcy. My bankruptcy case was filed on [Date of Filing] in the [Name of Court] under case number [Bankruptcy Case Number]. I received a discharge on [Date of Discharge].
The following accounts were included in the bankruptcy and should be reported as discharged with a zero balance:
* [Creditor Name], Account Number: [Account Number]
* [Creditor Name], Account Number: [Account Number]
* [List all accounts that were discharged]
The current reporting of these accounts is inaccurate because [Explain the inaccuracy, e.g., “They are showing a balance,” “They are showing as past due,” or “They are not reflecting the bankruptcy discharge.”].
I have enclosed a copy of my bankruptcy discharge order for your reference. I request that you update my credit report to accurately reflect the discharge status of these accounts.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 10: Dispute of Public Record Information (e.g., Tax Lien, Judgment)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute Regarding Public Record Information
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following public record information appearing on my credit report:
* Type of Record: [e.g., “Tax Lien,” “Judgment”]
* Creditor/Plaintiff: [Name of Creditor or Plaintiff]
* Case/File Number: [Case or File Number]
* Date Filed: [Date Filed]
* Amount: [Original Amount]
I am disputing this information because [Choose *one* of the following reasons or provide your specific reason]:
* “This record does not belong to me. It is a case involving another individual with a similar name.”
* “This judgment has been paid and satisfied. (Enclosed is a copy of the satisfaction of judgment.)”
* “This tax lien was improperly filed (explain why, if known).”
[If applicable, add: “I have enclosed [Supporting Documentation, e.g., Satisfaction of Judgment, Court Documents, Proof of Identity] to support my claim.”]
I request that you investigate this matter and remove or correct the inaccurate public record information from my credit report. I look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 11: Dispute After Settlement Agreement
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Settlement Agreement Not Reflected – Account Number: [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the reporting of my account with [Creditor Name], account number [Account Number]. I entered into a settlement agreement with [Creditor Name] on [Date of Settlement Agreement].
According to the settlement agreement, I paid [Amount Paid] in full and final satisfaction of the debt. However, my credit report is not reflecting the terms of the settlement. [Specifically state what’s inaccurate: e.g., “The account is still showing a balance,” or “The account is still showing as past due,” or “The account has not been updated to reflect ‘Settled’ or ‘Paid as Agreed’.”]
I have enclosed a copy of the signed settlement agreement and proof of payment as documentation. I request that you update my credit report to accurately reflect the terms of the settlement agreement.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 12: Dispute of a Charge-Off
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Incorrect Charge-Off Status – Account Number [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the charge-off status reported by [Creditor Name] for account number [Account Number] on my credit report. While I acknowledge the account was charged off, I believe the reporting is inaccurate.
[Choose ONE of the following reasons, or provide your specific reason]:
* “The date of first delinquency is incorrect. The correct date is [Correct Date]. This affects the length of time the charge-off can legally remain on my credit report.”
* “The amount of the charge-off is incorrect. I believe the correct amount is [Correct Amount]. (Explain why you believe the amount is incorrect, e.g., “This doesn’t account for payments I made prior to the charge-off.”)”
* “I have reason to believe the charge-off was reported in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. (Provide a brief explanation, if possible).”
[If applicable, add: “I have enclosed copies of [Supporting documents, if any] to support my claim.”]
I request that you investigate this matter and correct the inaccurate charge-off information on my credit report.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 13: Dispute of an Account Closed Without Your Permission
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Account Closed Without Authorization – Account Number [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the “closed” status of my account with [Creditor Name], account number [Account Number]. I did *not* request or authorize the closure of this account.
The account was closed on [Date of Closure, if known] without my consent. [Explain any potential issues this closure is causing. E.g., “This is negatively impacting my credit utilization,” or “I am no longer receiving benefits associated with this account.”].
I request that you investigate this matter and contact [Creditor Name] to determine why the account was closed without my permission. I would like the credit bureau to correct the status of the account if it was closed in error.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 14: Dispute Regarding Incorrect Personal Information
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Personal Information
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following incorrect personal information listed on my credit report:
* [Specify the inaccurate information, e.g., “Incorrect Address: Listed as [Incorrect Address], should be [Correct Address],” or “Incorrect Name: Listed as [Incorrect Name], should be [Correct Name],” or “Incorrect Date of Birth: Listed as [Incorrect Date of Birth], should be [Correct Date of Birth].”]
This inaccurate information is [Explain why the incorrect information is problematic. For example: “The incorrect address is no longer my residence,” or “The incorrect name is causing confusion with other accounts,” or “The incorrect date of birth may be impacting my credit score negatively.”]
I request that you update my credit report with the correct information, which is as follows:
* [Provide the *correct* personal information. Include full name, current address, date of birth, and Social Security Number (if disputing).]
[If applicable, add: “I have enclosed a copy of [Supporting documents, e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, Social Security card] to verify the correct information.”]
Thank you for your assistance in correcting this error.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 15: Dispute After Successful Completion of a Debt Management Program (DMP)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Completion of Debt Management Program (DMP)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the reporting of my accounts that were part of a Debt Management Program (DMP) with [Name of Credit Counseling Agency]. I successfully completed the DMP on [Date of Completion].
The following accounts were included in the DMP:
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number]
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number]
* [List all accounts included in the DMP]
Now that I have successfully completed the DMP, I am requesting that you review the reporting of these accounts. [Specify what you want to be corrected: e.g., “Ensure that the accounts are reflecting ‘Paid as Agreed’ or ‘Settled’,” or “Remove any notations that the accounts were part of a DMP (if applicable and allowed),” or “Ensure that the balance is reported as zero.”].
I have enclosed a copy of my certificate of completion from [Name of Credit Counseling Agency] as verification. I request that you update my credit report accordingly.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 16: Dispute to Remove an Inquiry
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Unauthorized Inquiry
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute an unauthorized inquiry appearing on my credit report from [Name of Company Making the Inquiry] on [Date of Inquiry]. I did not authorize this company to access my credit report.
I have no knowledge of applying for credit or services with [Name of Company Making the Inquiry] on or around the date of the inquiry. This inquiry is affecting my credit score and I request that it be removed immediately.
I have no further information regarding this matter. Please remove this unauthorized inquiry from my credit report.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 17: Dispute After the Death of a Debtor
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Deceased Debtor – Account Number [Account Number, if known]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you of the death of [Deceased’s Name], whose credit report contains inaccurate information. I am [Your Relationship to the Deceased, e.g., “the executor of the estate,” “the surviving spouse”]. [Deceased’s Name] passed away on [Date of Death].
I am disputing the following account(s) on the deceased’s credit report, as they should be handled according to the laws governing the deceased’s estate:
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number, if known]
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number, if known]
* [List all relevant accounts]
I have enclosed a copy of the death certificate for your verification. I request that you flag the deceased’s credit report accordingly and provide guidance on how to properly handle these accounts.
Thank you for your assistance during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 18: Dispute Due to Forbearance or Deferment Agreement
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Account Under Forbearance/Deferment – Account Number: [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the reporting of my account with [Creditor Name], account number [Account Number]. This account is currently under a [Forbearance or Deferment] agreement due to [Briefly explain the reason, e.g., “financial hardship,” “natural disaster,” etc.]. The forbearance/deferment period began on [Start Date] and ends on [End Date].
The current reporting of this account is inaccurate because [Specify the inaccuracy: e.g., “The account is showing as delinquent,” or “The account is showing as past due,” or “The account is not reflecting the forbearance/deferment agreement.”]. According to the terms of my agreement, I am not required to make payments during this period, and the account should not be negatively impacted.
I have enclosed a copy of the forbearance/deferment agreement with [Creditor Name] for your reference. Please update my credit report to accurately reflect the terms of the agreement.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 19: Dispute to Remove Duplicate Accounts
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Credit Report Dispute – Duplicate Account Reporting
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the presence of duplicate accounts on my credit report. The following accounts appear to be duplicates of each other:
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number 1]
* [Creditor Name], Account Number [Account Number
