Common Dispute Reasons
The reason you give for your dispute matters. Using the right reason increases your chances of success. Here are the most effective dispute reasons for different situations.
Overview
When you dispute an item, you must provide a reason. The bureau investigates based on that reason. If you say "not mine" but it is yours, they verify it easily. If you say "wrong balance" and provide proof, they must correct it.
Factual Errors
These disputes challenge specific facts that are demonstrably wrong:
Incorrect Balance
The balance shown doesn't match your records. Use when you have documentation showing a different amount.
Incorrect Payment Status
Reported as late when you paid on time. Very effective with bank statements or cancelled checks.
Wrong Account Status
Account shows as open when it's closed, or vice versa.
Wrong Date Information
Date opened, date closed, or date of first delinquency is incorrect. Critical for "aging off" calculations.
Verification Disputes
These disputes shift the burden of proof to the bureau/creditor:
Not My Account
You genuinely don't recognize the account. Could be identity theft or a mixed file.
Cannot Verify (No Documentation)
You are requesting the creditor produce original documentation (contract with signature). Effective for sold debts where records are lost.
Outdated Information
Under the FCRA, most negative items must be removed after 7 years:
Beyond Reporting Period
The item has been on your report longer than allowed (7 years from Date of First Delinquency).
Re-aged Account
The date of first delinquency was changed to make the debt look newer. This is illegal.
Identity Errors
Mixed File
Someone else's information is on your report (often a relative with a similar name).
Identity Theft
Accounts opened fraudulently. Requires a police report and FTC affidavit.
Choosing the Right Reason
- Be truthful — Only dispute what you genuinely believe is inaccurate.
- Be specific— "Incorrect balance" is better than "This is wrong."
- Match your evidence — If you have proof of payment, dispute the payment status.
- Try different approaches— If a "not mine" dispute comes back verified, try a "factual error" dispute in Round 2.
