Q: I need to fight an item in dispute with Equifax as soon as possible. There is an incorrect negative information on my credit report and few inaccuracies I need to change.  Out of all three bureaus, only Equifax is reporting this incorrect information.

A: Incorrect items on your Equifax report can be disputed by phone, by mail or online.  A dispute takes no more than 30 days (by law), but occasionally can last up to 45 days (until you have your results).  To dispute, however, there is a catch. To talk to a live representative, you must have a Report Confirmation Number, which can only be found at the top of your Equifax credit report or file.

Equifax also wants a Report Confirmation Number for an online dispute.  You can also start your dispute by mail without this number – however this will add to your turnaround time.  Be sure to keep Equifax Report Confirmation Number for future references.

Keep in mind that you will need to provide personal information and supporting documentation for a dispute, such as

- name, address, social security number

- if you dispute name or date of birth, Equifax must have a copy of your driver license reflecting this change

- if you dispute current address, send a copy of your driver license or a utility bill reflecting this change

- if you dispute social security number, send a copy of your social security card or a W-2 form

- if you dispute specific credit records, provide all relevant information to support your dispute with Equifax

If you are in hurry, get your free Equifax credit report quickly and see what is in there.  Be sure to keep in mind that free annual credit reports don’t come with credit scores.  However, those can be purchased later .