The credit bureau said "verified." Now what?

"Verified" means the company that reports the account told the bureau its information is correct. If you still believe it's wrong, you have options.

1. Ask how it was verified

You can ask the bureau to describe how it investigated, including the business name and address of the company it contacted. The bureau must answer within 15 days of your request.

2. Dispute with the company directly

Send your dispute and proof straight to the lender or collector that reports the account. It has its own duty to investigate.

3. Send new proof

If you have documents you didn't include before, like a paid-in-full letter or a statement, dispute again and include them.

4. Add your side of the story

You can ask the bureau to add a short statement of dispute to your file.

5. Get outside help if needed

You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov. If you think your rights were violated, an attorney who handles credit reporting cases can review it.