You disputed an item, and the bureau came back saying it was “verified” — but you know it’s wrong. The FCRA gives you a follow-up: you can ask how they verified it. Under Section 611 (15 U.S.C. §1681i(a)(7)), after a reinvestigation a bureau must, on request, describe its procedure — including the business it contacted and that business’s contact information.
When to use this
- A dispute came back “verified” or “remains,” but the item is genuinely inaccurate.
- You suspect the bureau just ran an automated check (e-OSCAR) without a real reinvestigation.
The letter
[Your full name]
[Your current address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date of birth] [Last 4 of SSN]
[Date]
[Equifax / Experian / TransUnion - address]
Re: Request for method of verification - FCRA Section 611(a)(7)
Prior dispute reference: [number] Date of result: [date]
To whom it may concern:
On [date] you informed me that the following item was "verified" after my dispute:
Furnisher / account name: [name]
Account number (as shown): [number]
I continue to dispute this item as inaccurate. Under FCRA Section 611(a)(7),
please provide a description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and
completeness of the information, including:
- the business or furnisher you contacted,
- that party's name, address, and (if reasonably available) telephone number,
- and a description of what was actually reviewed to "verify" the item.
If a reasonable reinvestigation was not conducted, or the item cannot be properly
verified, please delete it and send me an updated report.
Sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your printed name]
How to send it
Send certified mail, keep proof, and reference your prior dispute number. If the bureau can’t show a genuine reinvestigation, that strengthens a re-dispute (attach new evidence) or a complaint.
Notes. If repeated, well-documented disputes keep coming back “verified” on an item you can prove is wrong, that pattern is exactly what the CFPB complaint process (consumerfinance.gov/complaint) and consumer-law attorneys are for. Keep every letter, result, and receipt. General information, not legal advice.