Caution about disputing account information

[Anonymous]

I just realized the hard way that disputing an account can backfire and wanted to share it with everyone. I had disputed a late on my oldest and only open CC. I explicitly checked with the CB agent taking down my dispute over the phone that, if they were unable to verify the disputed info within 30 days, they would remove only the late and not the account itself. EX and TU agents assured me that they will not remove the account itself. Don't believe them! They gleefully resolved the dispute after 30 days by removing the account itself and my score took a huge plunge and I've had a frustrating couple months getting the card to report at all again.

In my experience, EX and TU seem to consistently remove accounts with unverifiable info, while EQ consistently seems to remove/change the disputed info in the customer's favor.

[RobertEG]

If your dispute was directed only to the late, and the creditor failed to verify, the only way the CRA has the authority to delete the account is if they get explicit reporting of an account deletion from the creditor..  Their authority to "reinvestigate" under FCRA 611(a) is limited to information disptued by the consumer.

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I would definately contact the CRA for failure to comply with FCRA 611(a).  I would, of course, mention the facts that you have outlined, but basing your assertion of improper action under FCRA 611(a) could turn primarily into a "he said, she said" if that is the focues of your dispute.  I would attach a copy of your original dispute letter as proof of the information that was under dispute, and then state that their action went beyond this.

Maybe first call a supervisor at the CRA and explain it to them.  Try not to make it personal... try ot keep it factual. 

[credit_questons]

I had sort of similar situation. I had a charge off account that was included in bankruptcy. I disputed some late charges. They were removed along with the notation that this debt was include in bankruptcy. I sent a copy of the previous credit report w/letter explaining the situation and it was fixed in about 10 days. No response or acknowledgment, just magically fixed.

[Anonymous]

This just happen to me as well, I had to call HSBC and they have to rereport the account. So i have to wait up to 60 days for the account to reappear.