The best thing a consumer can do to ensure accurate reporting is to review ones credit file annually.  Many consumers only review their credit prior to a major purchase.  This can cause problems, especially if time is a concern.  The time to review your credit is before you are ready to purchase anything.  By reviewing on an annual basis mistakes will be easier to correct and documentation easier to locate.  All three bureaus usually keep one file per adult and charge a nominal fee to release your report.  Watch for common errors, such as misspelled names, accounts that don't belong to you, and inaccurate social security numbers.  Sometimes you account may contain information for someone with a similar name or social security number.

Report mistakes promptly.  Credit companies are required to investigate and correct wrong or incomplete data.  Always put your complaints in writing.  If the credit bureau is unable to verify the information, usually within 30 days, it must be deleted pending further investigation.  Always keep copies, for your records, of any correspondence or documentation sent to the bureaus.

Be sure to tell your side of the story.  If the credit bureau insists the disputed information is correct, you can add a brief statement to your file explaining your version.  As a last resort you can sue credit bureaus for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which spells out consumer rights.

At all cost avoid credit repair clinics.  They cannot erase bad credit, only time can do that, and they charge expensive fees for services you can do yourself.  If you are having credit problems, contact the National Foundation for Consumer Credit of Silver Spring, MD for counseling information at (800) 388-2227.