HOOK
Before you dispute a single item on your credit report, ask this: is the information even being reported correctly? [B-roll: close-up of a credit report with a highlighted name, address, and account number] One wrong detail can cause a dispute to go nowhere.
KEY POINT 1
Start with the basics: your name, address, Social Security number, and account status. If a tradeline is attached to the wrong person or the wrong account, that’s a real credit report error—not just a typo. [B-roll: finger tracing personal info on a report]
KEY POINT 2
Next, check the balance, payment history, and dates. A late payment that shouldn’t be there, an old account that should have aged off, or a balance that’s higher than what you owe can all affect your score. [B-roll: calendar pages, calculator, payment history chart]
KEY POINT 3
Then look for duplicates and mixed files. Sometimes the same debt shows up twice, or someone else’s account gets linked to your file. If you only dispute the balance, you may miss the real problem. [B-roll: split-screen of repeated account entries]
KEY POINT 4
When you find an error, document it before you dispute it. Save screenshots, letters, and account statements. The stronger your paper trail, the easier it is to explain what’s wrong and why it should be corrected. [B-roll: folders, phone screenshots, mailed dispute letter]
CTA
If you’re trying to repair your credit, start by reviewing the full report line by line. Want a simple dispute checklist? Learn more in our next video. [B-roll: checklist graphic, then channel logo]
