by: Michael Saunders

The federal government enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act on April 25, 1971, to protect consumers against the reporting of inaccurate, misleading, or obsolete information. Lawmakers designed the law to ensure that consumer-reporting agencies operate in a responsible and equitable manner.

The FCRA provides a list of rights and procedures that will assist you in clearing away negative remarks and reestablishing your creditworthiness - regardless of your previous credit history. By understanding your rights and using the law to your advantage, it's possible to remove bankruptcy, judgments, late payments, collection accounts, charge-offs, and other negative information from your files permanently.

The first step is to obtain copies of your credit reports from each of the major credit bureaus. You can find the address of your local credit bureau in the yellow pages under "Credit-Reporting Agencies." If you have been denied credit within the past 60 days, you can obtain a free copy of your report by enclosing a photocopy of the denial letter along with your request. Be sure to include your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and addresses for the past five years. If you have not been denied credit within the last 60 days, you may purchase a copy of your report from each credit bureau. In California, for example, the cost for a copy of your report is $8 from each of the major bureaus. The cost may vary in other states.  (continued...)
The Key to Winning Disputes With Credit Bureaus - Know Your Rights!
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