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A 609 dispute letter is actually not a dispute but is simply a way of requesting that the credit bureaus provide you with certain documentation that substantiates the authenticity of the bureaus’ reporting.
There’s nothing worse than finding inaccurate information on your credit report, especially if it’s dragging your credit score down. During your research, you may have read articles about a method of communicating with the credit bureaus called a “609 dispute letter.”
A letter sent to the bureaus requesting this information is actually not a dispute, but is simply a way of requesting that the credit bureaus provide you with certain documentation that substantiates the authenticity of the bureaus’ reporting. If the credit bureaus are unable to provide the requested documentation, it could indicate that the item may be inaccurate.
What is section 609?
Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) outlines a consumer’s right to order copies of their credit report and the information that appears on it. Section 609 doesn’t explicitly discuss your right to dispute inaccurate information, but it does assert your right to a copy of all the information in your credit file.
Under section 609, you have the right to request:
- All of the information in your consumer credit files.
- The source of that information.
- Each person that has accessed your credit report within the past two years (unless it was to complete an investigation).
- Businesses that have made soft inquiries within the past year.
Contrary to what some might think, section 609 does not:
Require credit bureaus to provide proof of your accounts.
The FCRA gives you the right to dispute information you believe to be incorrect or unverifiable. Credit reporting agencies are responsible for removing any disputed information that can’t be verified or confirmed. If the information is found to be accurate, the bureaus aren’t required to remove it. They’re also obligated to provide a description of the dispute process if you request it in writing.
609 letter example
There’s nothing proprietary about the format or wording of a 609 letter, although it does require your own documentation.
Here’s a sample of a typical 609 letter:
Dear Credit Bureau (Experian, TransUnion or Equifax),
I am exercising my right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Section 609, to request information regarding an item that is listed on my consumer credit report.
[List account names and account numbers]
As per section 609, I am entitled to see the source of the information, which is the original contract that contains my signature.
As proof of my identity, I have included copies of my birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, driver’s license, W-2, rental agreement and a cell phone bill. I have also included a copy of my credit report with the account I am requesting to have verified.
If you are unable to verify the account with the original contract, the information should be removed from my credit report within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Address, Social Security Number, Date of Birth]
Does a 609 letter really improve my credit?
There’s no evidence to suggest a 609 letter is more or less effective than the usual process of disputing an error on your credit report—it’s just another method of gathering information and seeking verification of the accuracy of the report. If disputes are successful, the credit bureaus may remove the negative item. Any accurate or verifiable information will stay on your credit report—a 609 letter doesn’t guarantee its removal.
The flaw in the 609 letter theory is that the FCRA doesn’t require credit bureaus to keep or provide signed contracts or proof of debts, meaning that the information could still be found valid even if the specific documents you’re looking for aren’t produced.
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