Identity Theft Dispute Letter
If you are a victim of identity theft, dispute fraudulent accounts and inquiries. Consider filing an FTC Identity Theft report and a police report.
When to Use
- Fraudulent accounts opened
- Unauthorized inquiries
- Mismatched personal info
Data to Include
- Furnisher name
- Account/Inquiry ID
- FTC report number (if any)
- Reason for dispute
What This Letter Argues
- The furnisher/bureau must maintain accurate records and re‑investigate under FCRA §611.
- Inaccurate dates, balances, or ownership must be corrected or deleted if unverifiable.
- Method of verification should be disclosed; provide documentation for clarity.
What Happens After You Send It
- Day 0–3: Printed and mailed with tracking (if mailed).
- Day 10–20: Bureau receives the dispute and notifies furnisher.
- Day ≤30: Re‑investigation typically completes; you receive a response.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting the account/reference number.
- Sending multiple near‑duplicate disputes at once.
- Using aggressive language instead of factual, concise statements.
