09 Oct How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
As a South African consumer, you have the right to dispute any factually incorrect information that reflects on your credit report. Knowing how to dispute credit report errors and what to expect during the process can help you succeed in clearing your name. The first thing you’ll need to do is access your credit report and assess it thoroughly – you can do so easily with our FREE CREDIT CHECK.
Errors on your credit report are frustrating to deal with. They can stop you from accessing credit when you need it, and affect how lenders and banks view your creditworthiness. Fortunately, the law and the National Credit Act (NCA) are on your side, and our Credit Boost team can work with you to restore your credit score and challenge inaccuracies.
Access and Review your Credit Report
Get your free credit check today without harming your credit score. Assess all the information presented, looking out for duplicate listings, accounts or debts that don’t make sense, incorrect outstanding balances or account statuses, court judgments, or debt review flags that should not be there. Understand what you’re looking at when you view your credit report, with credit scores explained in easy terms.
Remember, if there is no evidence to back up a listing on your credit report, the credit bureau is legally required to remove it. In the same way, you should gather as much evidence and supporting documents as possible to back up your case, which will help you challenge the inaccuracies. This evidence could range from bank statements, payment confirmations, and correspondence with creditors to court orders for judgments rescinded.
Lodge your Formal Dispute
Every bureau’s process looks slightly different. Typically, you will submit a dispute form online which includes detailed information about the error on your credit report, supporting evidence, your identity documents, and proof of address. Make sure to note your dispute reference number, and keep copies of all communications. Our Credit Boost team can assist here, and we also escalate disputes for faster results.
Once you have successfully lodged the dispute, the bureaus will need to investigate and verify information with the relevant creditor, which should take about 20 business days. The items on your credit report that you dispute should be flagged to show that a dispute is in progress. The credit bureau must update you on the outcome, and if it is not the outcome you wanted, you may escalate your case to the Credit Ombud for their review.
Advice from Credit Boost
Our advice? Only dispute one issue at a time, so that you can keep track of it properly. It is also helpful to keep careful and accurate records. If any agreements are made verbally, request confirmation in writing so that you can hold them accountable. Let Credit Boost help boost your credit score and contest inaccurate information. We know how to dispute credit report errors professionally. Start now – here is how to check your credit score without harming it!