| How to Dispute Items on a Credit Report Posted: 29 Oct 2020 01:00 AM PDT You're looking at your credit report and you notice an item that's wrong. You know errors on your credit report can damage your credit score, but what can you do to fix it? All 3 US credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) allow you to dispute credit report items online for free, which is the easiest way to take care of the problem. If you find an error on one credit report, check the others as well. If the error is repeated on other reports, you'll need to file disputes with each bureau separately.[1] [Edit]Equifax - Visit the Equifax website to file your dispute online for free. Go to https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/ and click "submit a dispute" to start the process. It's a good idea to have information about the item close at hand before you get started so you can fill out the online dispute form more quickly.[2]
- For example, if one of your credit accounts is showing "delinquent" status when you know you're up-to-date on payments, pull up your payment history on the account so you have it handy.
- Create a "MyEquifax" account if you don't already have one. The website will prompt you to enter your login information if you already have an account, or to create a new one. Provide identifying information, including your birth date and Social Security number, then answer questions about your credit report to verify your identity.[3]
- Equifax only asks for this information once so your credit report can be found. Even though the site itself is secure, protect your information by not setting up your account on a public computer or while using public Wi-Fi.
- Provide information about the item you want to dispute. Specific details allow Equifax to resolve the dispute more efficiently. At a minimum, you'll need the following information:[4]
- The name of the lender or company that reported the item
- The account number listed with the disputed item
- The dates associated with the disputed item
- An explanation of why the information is incorrect
- Attach digital copies of documents that support your dispute. Documents that prove the item on your report is incorrect help Equifax resolve your dispute more efficiently. Documents Equifax accepts include:[5]
- Copy of your driver's license or passport, if you're disputing personal information
- Copy of your valid Social Security card, if you're disputing your Social Security number
- Copy of your driver's license, lease, or mortgage, if you're disputing your address
- Copy of your account statement or letters from the lender, if you're disputing an account item
- File your dispute over the phone or by mail if you're not comfortable online. Even though the Equifax website is secure, it's not a good idea to file a dispute online using a public computer or over a public wireless network — your information could be stolen. Instead, call Equifax at 866-349-5191. This number is staffed 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until midnight ET. You can also mail a written dispute.[6]
- If you're filing your dispute by mail, include a letter with your personal information and details about your dispute (there's a form you can download at files. consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/092016_cfpb_ CreditReportingDisputeLetter.docx). Send the letter along with copies of any supporting documents using certified mail with returned receipt requested so you'll know when Equifax gets it.
- For mail, use the following address:
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
- Check the status of your dispute after a couple of weeks. If you filed your dispute online, you can check the status at any time through your MyEquifax account. Equifax indicates that it usually reaches a decision on disputes within 30 days, but you may get a resolution sooner.[7]
- For example, if you have a relatively straightforward dispute, such as that your name is spelled wrong or your Social Security number is incorrect, Equifax can usually correct that relatively quickly.
- Disputes that require contacting a lender for more information might take more time. Equifax sends a notification when the dispute has been resolved. But at any step in the process, you can check online and see what's happening.
- Contact the lender directly if you don't agree with the results. Check your report for the contact information of the lender that provided the information and send a letter directly to them describing the dispute. Attach any documentation you might have to prove that the item was reported incorrectly. Many lenders take disputes online if you're still an active customer.[8]
- You also have the option of filing a dispute with Equifax again. But unless you have any additional information that you didn't have when you filed your first dispute, it's unlikely that the result will change.
- Add a consumer statement to your report if you disagree with the decision. If Equifax hasn't resolved the dispute to your liking, you can add a statement to your credit report indicating that you dispute the item or believe it is incorrect. Equifax requires the statement to be 100 words or less and directly related to the dispute. There's no online option for this, so you'll have to mail your statement to Equifax.[9]
- Mail your statement to:
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256 - While the statement won't impact your credit score, it might have some sway on an individual, such as a landlord or a mortgage lender, who was looking over your credit report.
[Edit]Experian - Go to the Experian Dispute Center online and create an account. Go to https://www.experian.com/disputes/main.html and click "Start a new dispute online" to create an account with the Dispute Center. To verify your identity, provide your name, street address, Social Security number, date of birth, and phone number.[10]
- If you've lived at your current address for less than 6 months, provide your previous address as well.
- Experian may ask additional questions to verify your identity using information in your credit report.
- Complete the online dispute form. Select the item you want to dispute from your credit report, which will be displayed. Then, choose the reason you're disputing the item from the drop-down menu. If additional information is required, a box will appear for you to enter that information.[11]
- If you want to dispute multiple items, you'll need to start a new dispute for each item.
- Review your dispute carefully before you submit it.
- Upload any documents related to your dispute. Use the "Upload a Document" link after you've submitted your dispute to send anything you have that supports your reason for disputing the item.[12]
- For example, if an account is listed as "settled for a lesser amount" when you actually paid off the account in full, you might include a payment receipt, email, or letter from the lender indicating that your account was paid in full.
- Mail in a written dispute if you can't use the online Dispute Center. Even though the Experian site itself is secure, it's still not a good idea to access your credit report online from a public computer or using public Wi-Fi. If you don't have private internet access, download the printable form at https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/wp-content/themes/exp/pdf/dispute-form.pdf.[13]
- Mail your completed form to:
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013 - If you have any documents that support your dispute, include photocopies with your form. Use certified mail with return receipt requested so you'll know when Experian gets your dispute form.
- You can also file a dispute over the phone by calling the number listed on your Experian credit report. If you don't have your report and want one mailed to you, call 866-200-6020.
- Track your dispute status through your Experian account. Experian sends you email notifications whenever the status of your dispute changes. You can also check the status in the "Alerts" section of your Experian account.[14]
- If you see "open," this indicates that Experian has started investigating your dispute. "Update" means your credit report is being updated. "Dispute results ready" means Experian has issued a decision on your dispute.
- Generally, it takes 30 to 45 days for Experian to complete an investigation into your dispute and issue a decision.[15]
- Contact the lender directly if you disagree with Experian's decision. If Experian isn't going to change your credit report, that's most likely because the lender proved to them that the information they reported was correct. Use the contact information for the lender on your credit report to contact them and tell them their information is wrong. You may be able to get your report changed that way.[16]
- You also have the option of starting the same dispute with Experian again, but this doesn't make a lot of sense unless you have new information or additional documentation that you didn't provide the first time.
- Add a statement of dispute to your report if you still disagree with the decision. In the Dispute Center, choose the item on your report that you disputed, then choose "Add a Statement" from the drop-down menu. Type in the statement you want to make about the item.[17]
- Your statement will appear on your credit report next to the disputed item in question. Anyone who reviews your report will see it and might have questions about it for you. Keep the documents you have that are related to the dispute handy so you can show them to anyone who asks.
- While adding a statement won't impact your credit score, it might be persuasive to a lender, particularly if the disputed item is the only negative mark on your report.
[Edit]TransUnion - Create an account on TransUnion's website to file an online dispute. Go to https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit, scroll down a bit, and click on "start dispute." You'll be taken to the account login page, where you can enter your username and password if you already have an account, or create a new one.[18]
- To open your account, provide personal information to verify your identity. You might also be asked questions about information contained in your TransUnion credit report.
- If you've previously requested a dispute, freeze, or fraud alert online from TransUnion, you likely already have an account. The login page gives you options to recover your username and password if you've forgotten them.[19]
- Select "New Investigation" to start your dispute. Scroll through your credit report on the screen and select the item you want to dispute. If you want to dispute more than one item, you can do them all using one form. Just make sure you've selected all the items.[20]
- Because your personal information has already been validated through your account, you don't need to add anything. You also don't need to make a statement describing the reason you're disputing an item.
- Upload documents that support your dispute. If you have documents that show the item is incorrect, such as an account statement or a letter from the lender, you can upload them after selecting the item on your report. Providing documents often enables TransUnion to resolve your dispute more quickly.[21]
- You can't upload documents if you're disputing personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or current address. If you're disputing any of this information, use the phone or mail dispute options.
- Use phone or mail dispute services if you can't start your dispute online. If you're disputing personal information or if you don't have access to a private internet connection, call 833-395-6941 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET and make your dispute by phone. You might still want to mail in documents that support your dispute.[22]
- If you don't want to call, use the form available at https://www.transunion.com/docs/rev/personal/InvestigationRequest.pdf to submit your dispute by mail. Make copies of any documents you have that support your dispute and include them with the form.
- Use the following address to mail your dispute or documents:
TransUnion Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016-2000 - Even if you submit your dispute over the phone or by mail, you can still check the status online if you create an account.[23]
- Check the status of your dispute through your account. If your dispute is pretty open-and-shut and you've uploaded documents that prove it, TransUnion might only take a few days to resolve it. More complicated disputes take longer. The status of your dispute is constantly updated in your online account, so you'll know what happens.[24]
- While it might take up to 30 days to resolve your dispute, TransUnion clears most disputes within a couple of weeks.
- Contact the lender directly if you disagree with the dispute results. If TransUnion doesn't change the information on your credit report but you still believe it's incorrect, your best bet is to go to the lender who provided the information and tell them their information is wrong. Make sure you have documents to back up your claims.[25]
- There's contact information for the lender on your credit report. If you're disputing information about an account that's in collections, make sure you have the right contact information for the company that reported the information.
- Add a consumer statement to explain the disputed item. If you disagree with the results of your dispute, login to your account and select the option to start another investigation. However, instead of starting an investigation, scroll down to the "Consumer Statement" section of your credit report and click "Add Statement."[26]
- TransUnion has some prepared statements that you can choose from. If none of them precisely fits your situation, write your own instead. It just needs to be 100 words or less (200 words or less if you live in Maine).
[Edit]Template and Sample Dispute Letter - If you see account information on an existing account that's incomplete or inaccurate, it's often more efficient to contact the lender directly about the error rather than going through the credit bureaus.[27]
- If your dispute isn't resolved to your satisfaction, you can also file complaints against the credit bureaus or the business that reported the item to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general.[28]
- Through April 2021, all 3 credit bureaus are offering free weekly credit reports to assist with the financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.[29]
[Edit]Warnings - This article covers how to dispute items on a credit report in the US. If you live in another country, the process might be different. Talk to someone who works at a local consumer protection agency or organization.
- If you find an error on one of your credit reports, it might also exist on the others. Get copies of all 3 credit reports to make sure. You'll have to dispute each error individually.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Mute or Unmute on Zoom Posted: 28 Oct 2020 05:00 PM PDT Zoom is a software you can use on Mac or Windows, as well as a mobile app for Android and iOS phones/tablets. This wikiHow will teach you how to mute or unmute yourself as well as how to set up and use the Push to Talk feature. If you need to mute the entire Zoom meeting, you'll need to mute all in Zoom. [Edit]Muting and Unmuting Yourself - Open Zoom and enter or start a meeting. You can mute and unmute yourself in meetings on any platform, including Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS.
- Click or tap the microphone icon. You'll see this in the bottom left corner of your screen. When the icon is red and has a line through it, your microphone is muted.
- Click or tap the microphone icon again. If the previous action muted your microphone, this action mutes it. You can also see the section on using the Push to Talk feature to temporarily unmute yourself.
- If you want to default your Zoom client to mute your microphone in every meeting you join, you can enable this setting in Settings > Audio.
[Edit]Enabling and Using Push To Talk - Launch Zoom on your Mac or Windows desktop computer. The Push to Talk feature lets the attendee push the spacebar to speak but remain muted otherwise.
- You must have the Mac version 4.1.23108.0402/Windows version 4.1.23108.0402 or later to use this feature.
- Click your profile picture. You'll see this circular image in the upper right corner of the application window. If you don't have a profile picture, you'll see the first letter of your name displayed.
- Click . You'll usually find this grey gear icon as the first option in the list under your name.
- Click the tab. You'll see this in the menu on the left side of the pop-up window.
- Click to check the box next to "Press and hold SPACE key to temporarily unmute yourself." If this is checked, then attendees in your meeting will only be able to speak with the spacebar pressed, and they'll be muted every other time.
- Close those settings windows. Click the x or red dots to close the settings windows and return to your dashboard.
- Join or start a new meeting. You can either click "New Meeting" or "Join" to initiate the meeting environment on your screen.
- Press and hold the spacebar. When you press the Push to Talk button, you'll see a large icon of a microphone on your screen to indicate that your microphone is activated. You won't be able to use this, however, if the host prevented participants from unmuting themselves.
- When you release the spacebar, you'll be muted again.[1]
- If you want to automatically mute yourself when you enter a meeting, you can click to check "Mute my microphone when joining a meeting" in the Audio tab of Settings.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Sell Homemade Food Posted: 28 Oct 2020 09:00 AM PDT Making and selling your own food is a great way to share your culinary skills and make some extra money in the process. You can sell at local fairs, charity events, and some community markets without a license. If you want to sell your homemade goods in stores, you'll need to get certain licenses and permits depending on what kind of food you're selling and where you live. [Edit]Getting Licensed to Sell Food - Look up the laws in your state about selling homemade food. Go to your state's department of health website to see if you need to get a permit to sell your goods. Most states allow you to sell low-maintenance foods like jams, jellies, baked goods, and other things that don't require refrigeration without a permit.[1]
- Even if you don't need a permit, you'll still need to label your goods with all of the required information (weight or volume, your business or personal or business name, your address, ingredients, and the words "this item is home produced").
- If you don't want to put your home address on the label, use a P.O. box instead.
- If you're selling pickles, refrigerated items, or anything pressure canned, most states will require you to get a permit (and some states ban these homemade items outright).
- Most states will only allow you to sell things like breads, jellies, baked items, and foods that aren't dairy or meat.
- Apply for a cottage food operation (CFO) license, if necessary. Get in touch with your state's department of public health office to request an application for a cottage food operation (CFO) license. The application you need depends on what you're selling and how you plan to sell your goods.[2]
- Get a "Class-A" CFO license to sell directly to consumers via your home, your website, farmers' markets, or other venues where you directly interact with customers.
- Get a "Class-B" CFO license if you also plan to sell your goods at restaurants, retail stores, and other vendors.
- Have your kitchen approved by your local health department, if necessary. If your state requires a license or if you want to sell your food at stores or restaurants, contact your local county or city's health department to have someone come out and inspect your kitchen. They'll check to make sure it meets the following zoning and food safety requirements:[3]
- Potable water will be used for cooking, washing utensils, and washing hands.
- There are no rodents or insects in the food preparation and storage areas.
- There are no pets or children under the age of 12 in the kitchen area.
- There are sanitary food preparation and storage facilities.
- Domestic activities like family meal prep, laundry, dishwashing, and entertaining guests are not performed in the same kitchen.
- Anyone with a contagious illness isn't working in the kitchen.
- Acquire a food handlers card, if necessary. Take a food handler's course and test from a certified organization either online or in person. The course covers food safety, proper hygiene, preparing food, properly storing food, safe cooking temperatures, and various foodborne illnesses. You have to score a 70 or above on the exam to get your card.[4]
- Online courses typically take about 2 hours to complete and costs around $10.
- The card expires 2 years from the date that you completed the course and passed the test.
- You typically don't need a food handler's card to sell small batches of food at community events. However, some farmers' markets may have different rules for their sellers.
- Get a business license if you want to go wholesale. In some states, you'll need a business license to obtain a permit to sell food. Most states don't require you to form a business if you're only selling food at local community events like bake sales, farmers' markets, and charity events. But if you want to sell directly from a website or if you want your product sold in restaurants and stores, you'll need to get a business license.[5]
- Look up your state's business permit office online to apply.
- Apply for an "assumed name certificate" (or DBA) if necessary. If you plan to sell to vendors, you'll need to file for a sole proprietorship. Come up with a catchy or clever name for your small business that relates to your goods in some way. For example, "Papa's Pops" would be a great name if you're selling bags of homemade popcorn.[6]
- You can also form an LLC to sell your homemade goods as an official small business. It's not required in most states but it does have some advantages like securing limited personal liability and—in some states—tax benefits.
- Follow Cottage Food Laws in your state. Cottage Food Laws apply to individuals who want to sell baked goods, canned goods (like jams, jellies, and pickles), dry mixes (like granola, popcorn, and nuts), and candies they made themselves. Most states have the following Cottage Food Laws in common:[7]
- You must have proper storage for all food and ingredients (cold or dry).
- No pets in the kitchen.
- You have to get zoning clearance and all necessary permits from your local government.
- You must have a kitchen inspection at least once a year (performed by the health department).
- Set up a stand at bake sales and farmers' markets. Look up community events in your area to find various places where you can sell your goods. Contact the organizer and let them know that you'd like to set up a table.[8]
- They'll probably ask you what you're selling, what times you need to be there, and whether or not you need to bring your own table (among other supplies).
- Note that some states have a maximum dollar amount of sales you can make at farmers' markets, bake sales, and charity events. On average, most states will allow $10,000 to $20,000 in sales per year, but that number can range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on where you live.
- Contact local charities to see if you can sell your goods at their events. Look up local charities in your area to see if they have any events coming up where you can sell your goods. Contact the organizer and let them know what you'd like to sell and if there's anything you need to do or bring to the event.[9]
- Note that if you're selling at a charity event, it's typically a faux pas to take 100% of the profit for yourself. Work with the charity and let potential customers know you're donating a portion or all of the proceeds to the charity.
- Market your goods on social media to connect with potential customers. Set up a business page on Facebook and invite your friends and family to "like" the page. You can also use other platforms like Instagram and Twitter to announce when and where you'll be selling your food. Be sure to post clear, professional-looking photos of your yummy goods![10]
- You may want to come up with a catchy name for your page like "Margo's Macaroons" or "Marg-a-roons" to catch people's eye.
- Create a website to let people know where you'll be selling your foods. Use a free online website builder to create a website for your goods. Note that you can't sell the food directly from the site if you don't have a license. Instead, give details about the foods you sell and tell potential customers where and when you'll be selling your goods.[11]
- Start a food blog where you share your recipes and food related stories and tips regularly.
- Include lots of photos to entice potential customers.
- List the ingredients of each product on the website or offer your contact information so customers can ask you directly.
- You may want to set up a separate email address for your business so your personal emails aren't mixed up with customer or professional inquiries.
- Feel free to share some information about yourself and, if you like, how you make your goods on your website's "About Me" page.
[Edit]Selling with a License - Price your items according to your total expenses. Add up how much it takes to make a single product (including ingredients, labeling, and packaging) to find a price that gives you a profit for each unit you sell. If you're selling wholesale, consider your competitors' prices as well.[12]
- For instance, if it takes $2.00 to make a single cookie, setting the price at $3.00 is going to give you a profit of $1.00 per cookie sold.
- Be realistic and put yourself in your customers' shoes—would you be willing to pay a certain amount for the product?
- Pitch your goods to local retailers. Approach independent grocers and specialty shops in your area. You can also approach family-owned restaurants and other non-corporate vendors about selling your items in their stores.[13]
- Know that the vendor will take a cut of whatever items are sold, so negotiate with the vendor beforehand and factor the cut amount into the cost of the product.
- Target retailers that already attract your intended buyers. For instance, your vegan brownies are more likely to sell at a small vegetarian and vegan grocery store than they are at a small butcher shop or regular bakery.
- Sell your food online to expand your small business. If you created an LLC or DBA and have all of your permits in order, make a website for your business so you can sell goods online. Note that almost all Cottage Food Laws prohibit selling homemade foods across state lines.[14]
- You'll also need to work with a shipping company or get your own shipping boxes that protect the product. This can be pricey, so shop around before signing on with a delivery company.
- Start a food truck operation or delivery service. If you want to mobilize your business, look into renting or buying a food truck, cart, or delivery truck. Set up a website so local customers can place orders to have your goods delivered or use social media to fill them in on your food truck's location. Be sure to check the laws in your state about food trucks and delivery services because there will likely be other zoning and safety permits you'll need to get.[15]
- Note that you'll need to get your food truck inspected and certified just like a regular kitchen.
- Just like a regular car, you'll also need to get your food truck insured.
- Food trucks and delivery services typically require extra help, so you may want to find a friend or family member to be your business partner.
- Don't forget to include the cost of gas in your total expenses!
[Edit]Packaging Your Homemade Food - List all of the ingredients on the packaging. Customers need to know exactly what is in your products in case they have allergies or dietary restrictions. List the ingredients in descending order (i.e., the largest quantity ingredients go first) and highlight any common allergens in bold.[16]
- For instance, you might write: "Allergens: Wheat and peanuts" in bold font in or next to the ingredients list.
- Depending on your location and what you're selling, you may not need to have detailed packaging if you're selling your food just once or twice at local community events. However, it helps to keep an ingredients list handy in case potential customers have questions.
- State the weight and net quantity on the package. Cottage Food Laws require you to state the net quantity and weight of the item on the package and the information is helpful to customers. Liquid products should be in fluid ounces and milliliters and solid goods should be in ounces and grams. If there is more than 1 of the product in a single package, state how many.[17]
- For example, your package might read: "Net Wt. 2 oz. (57 g) Qty. 2 Cookies".
- Get a small kitchen scale, measuring cups, and measuring spoons to calculate the weight of your products.
- If you're working with liquids, try to be consistent with how much liquid goes into each container.
- This isn't required if you're selling at local community events, but some customers will probably appreciate it!
- Provide your name (or your company's name) and location on the package. The FDA requires you to state your name (or your company's name, if applicable) and where the product was made. If you're using a supplier and selling wholesale, you'll need to state the supplier's name and location on the package as well.[18]
- In most states, this is required if you're selling wholesale, but some states may require it if you are selling without a business license at local community events.
- For example: "Made by Papa's Pops at 43 Sugarland Drive, Hot Springs, Arkansas" or "Proudly made by Sue McMarfa's Treats, P.O. Box 22, Little Rock, AR using local ingredients provided by Stan Family Farms, 984 Juniper Road, Little Rock, AR."
- Design your packaging to stand out from the competition. If you're selling wholesale, design your packaging to be unique and reflect your product in some way. If you don't want to design your own logo and packaging, consider hiring a graphic design artist to do it for you.[19]
- You can also make your logo from a template provided by an online custom packaging service.
- For example, if you're selling organic, gluten-free, vegan cookies, you might choose compostable packaging to fit with the theme of not harming animals and the environment.
- Market your products with business cards and flyers.
- Consider offering bulk discounts, coupons, and other incentives.
- If the product can be eaten as is or heated up for a different experience (like a brownie or cookie), note some simple instructions on the package (e.g., "Pro tip: microwave for 20 seconds for extra yums!")
- The holiday season is a great time to sell your goods at local pop-up markets.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't skip any of the licensing processes if you're selling wholesale because you may end up paying a hefty fine.
[Edit]References |
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