"Verified" but still wrong? Ask how they verified it.

Most disputes are processed electronically: the bureau sends the lender a short coded message, and the lender confirms its own records. "Verified" often means nothing more than that. The FCRA gives you the right to find out.

Your right to a description of the procedure

After a reinvestigation, the bureau's results letter has to tell you that you can request a description of the procedure it used to determine accuracy, including the name, address, and phone number of the company it contacted. (§ 1681i(a)(6)(B)(iii))

If you ask, the bureau has to send that description within 15 days of your request. (§ 1681i(a)(7))

Why it matters

Courts have held that a bureau doesn't always satisfy its duty just by asking the furnisher to confirm its own data, especially when the consumer supplied specific proof (for example, Cushman v. Trans Union Corp., 115 F.3d 220 (3d Cir. 1997)). Lenders have to do a real investigation too (Johnson v. MBNA America Bank, 357 F.3d 426 (4th Cir. 2004)). Knowing what was actually done is the first step to showing it wasn't enough.

A simple request you can send

[Your name] [Your address] [Date] [Credit bureau name and dispute address] Re: Request for description of reinvestigation procedure Report or confirmation number: [number from results letter] On [date], I disputed the following item: [creditor name, last 4 digits of account]. Your results letter dated [date] says the item was verified. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(7), please send me a description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of this information, including the business name, address, and telephone number of any furnisher you contacted. The information remains inaccurate because: [one or two sentences, with the proof you enclosed before]. Sincerely, [Signature]

Send it by certified mail with return receipt, and keep a copy.

What to do with the answer

If the description is vague or doesn't arrive in 15 days, note it. That's a separate failure worth documenting.
If it shows the lender just confirmed its own records, dispute again with the same proof, and file a CFPB complaint that points to the specific evidence that was ignored.
If the error has cost you something, talk to a consumer attorney before the deadlines run. See FCRA damages and deadlines.

Three ways to get this fixed

Everything on this site you can do yourself, for free. If you'd rather have help, pick the path that fits.

Have it handled for you

BCR Consulting prepares and sends disputes on your behalf and tracks every deadline.

See BCR Consulting

Do it yourself, with software

The Deletion Machine walks you through disputes step by step and keeps your paper trail organized.

See The Deletion Machine

Talk to a consumer attorney

If a violation cost you a loan, a job, or an apartment, or it keeps happening, a consumer attorney can tell you what the claim is worth.

Find an attorney (NACA)