The second way to fix erroneous credit bureau information is for people to take matters into their own hands. This option is more time intensive, but the results will generally be better. The customer must contact all three bureaus directly and work through them to correct the information reflected within their credit report. the entire process usually takes 45-60 days.

First, the consumer must order their reports directly from the bureaus. Once they recieve the reports, the consumer must check them for accuracy and then send letters and/or documentation to each of the three bureaus disputing the information. The credit bureaus then have thirty days from receipt of the written information to update the individual's credit profile.

Borrowers can contact the credit bureaus by phone or internet:

EFX-Equifax: 800-685-1111 or www.equifax.com

XPN-Experian: 800-583-4080 or www.experian.com

TU- Trans Union: 800-916-8800 or www.tuc.com

The reports are free of charge unless a consumer requests their report multiple times within the same year.