How Long Can Negative Items Stay On A Credit Report?
In general, a bankruptcy can remain on a credit report for 10 years while a late or missing payment or foreclosure can be retained for seven years.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), federal consumer-protection legislation, you can post a 100-word statement disputing any reported item. (Before posting, ask when and how you can remove such a statement. It may be that you do not want a reference to a negative item.)
If you think an item is incorrect or out-of-date, contact the credit reporting agency by certified mail with a return receipt requested. If possible, include copies of documents to verify your claim.
You can get a free credit report by going to annualcreditreport.com.
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