Separate a reporting error from a debt you owe, then build a clear dispute.
Reviewed October 18, 2026 · General U.S. consumer educationGet a copy of each relevant report.
Read this part of the guide“I don’t recognize this account.”
Identify the precise field and supporting evidence.
Read this part of the guideThe originals, kept together.
Keep the dispute, delivery record and response together.
Read this part of the guideA short guide to the information behind a collection letter.
Read the complete guidePublic learning. No paid plan required.
Illustrative data. Your circumstances and independent review shape the possible paths.
A dispute asks for an investigation of specific information. It is not a promise of deletion or a way to erase accurate debt.
Review the account name, ownership, status, balance, payment history and dates. Compare the item across your reports: different reporting dates can explain some differences, while a wrong account or duplicated balance may need investigation.
You can obtain free reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. A credit score is a separate calculation; correcting a report does not guarantee a particular score change.
Explain exactly which information is wrong and why. Keep copies of relevant statements, correspondence and identity-theft documents if applicable. Send a dispute to the reporting company and consider disputing directly with the company that supplied the information.
Keep the original documents and evidence of what you sent and when. Avoid blanket disputes of information simply because it is negative.
Credit reporting companies generally investigate disputes within 30 days, with some situations allowing 45 days. The receipt date and circumstances matter. Review whether the response addresses the issue and compare the updated report.
If the problem remains, preserve the response, consider a CFPB complaint, or ask a qualified consumer attorney about your circumstances. A disputed account is not automatically unenforceable, and a reporting dispute does not pause a court deadline.
Read the primary guidance and check current requirements for your situation.
This guide is educational. It does not determine eligibility, establish an attorney-client relationship or promise an outcome. Court deadlines, claim deadlines and state-specific requirements may differ. Seek a qualified professional for individual advice.