What is an Escalated Information Request?

The credit dispute process is a clean-cut and highly documented procedure. In that regard, the Web houses thousands of articles about when and how to combat negative credit information. So, what happens if your credit dispute or challenge fails? If you are like many consumers, the initial process may not yield favorable results. Read on to learn more about the steps following a dispute rejection and how to get the results you deserve.

Denial isn’t the end of the line. When a credit dispute is rejected, it is up to you to take your claim to the next level. Before resigning yourself to defeat, follow the steps below to escalate your information request.

1. Draft another set of letters to the credit bureaus and a new one for the creditor in question. Outline the following:
   • Your disappointment with the initial credit dispute decision
   • Information about the account and the nature of your dispute
   • Detailed information about the dispute (include supporting documents)
   • And, for the bureaus, list of the incorrect items on your credit report and how they should be corrected
2. At the end of your letters, document your intention to escalate your claim to government authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission and your state’s Attorney General. Creditors are more likely to take your escalation seriously if they know you wish to seek legal advocacy.
3. Mail your letters and supporting documents to the credit bureaus and affected creditors with a return receipt requested.
4. Wait for responses, which may take up to 60 days. Keep copies of your letters, documentation, and any phone calls between yourself and the credit bureaus and creditors. Be sure to write down dates, times, names of representatives, and a summary of your discussions.
5. Review the credit companies’ final rendered decision. If you are still not satisfied with the outcome, send copies of your escalated information requests and supporting documents to the Federal Trade Commission and your state’s Attorney General. You may also consider speaking with an attorney to discuss legal action and further options. In each of these endeavors, make sure you have enough evidence to prove your case and discredit your claim’s denial.

Facilitating escalated information requests can be a long and arduous process, especially following an initial credit dispute. However, the benefits of clean and accurate credit far outweigh the drawbacks of prolonged exertion. If you have been unfairly portrayed by your credit report, fight to reclaim your reputation. Consider working with a consumer advocacy law firm who understands the avenues of escalated cases. Their efforts can help smooth the way.

What if I have already damaged my credit.  How do I fix my credit?

Remember, if you get into trouble with your credit, you can Negotiate with your Creditors.  It just takes some time and patience and you can be on your way to having great credit again.

Sample Credit Dispute Letters

Sample Credit Dispute Letter sent to Credit Bureaus

Sample Credit Dispute Letter to send to Collectors and Individual Companies

Sample Debt Validation Letter

Sample Paid Account Dispute Letter

Examples of Dispute Letters

Make Sure Your Disputes Are Legitimate

Be sure you don’t do anything to make the credit bureaus think your credit report disputes are frivolous. Don’t dispute everything on your credit report and absolutely do not send all your disputes at once. If you dispute the same item more than once, you should give a different reason for each dispute, so the credit bureau doesn’t think you’re sending duplicates. The credit bureau has the right to deem your disputes frivolous and if that happens, the bureau also has the right to reject your dispute.

Statute of Limitations by State

Remember, the statute of limitation starts from the last time you paid on your bill.  If you have not paid for five years and 364 days on an old debt, and you make even a one dollar payment, the six years starts over.  If a collection company has your debt, the last active date should be the last time you paid the original creditor if you have not paid the collection agency.  Many times they have the active date as the date they received the account.  This is against the law and it is a reason to have a debt removed or the date fixed.