The call provided a step-by-step guide for removing charge offs from credit reports in 2025, emphasizing the need for accuracy and persistence.
Detailed instructions were given for identifying inaccuracies, drafting dispute letters using ChatGPT, and filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) against credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, Equifax).
The presenter encouraged viewers to monitor their email closely for required follow-up and offered assistance through their own credit repair services.
Action Items
Immediate – Attendees/Viewers: Pull full credit reports from services like Identity IQ or My Free Score Now, not just Credit Karma.
After gathering reports – Attendees/Viewers: Carefully review all charge off entries for line-by-line inaccuracies (dates, amounts, payment history, etc.).
After identifying inaccuracies – Attendees/Viewers: Draft detailed dispute letters using ChatGPT, including all specific inaccuracies, and prepare a separate letter for each credit bureau reporting the charge off.
Upon drafting letters – Attendees/Viewers: File complaints via the Better Business Bureau for each bureau where the charge off appears, attaching necessary identification and documentation (ID, proof of address, Social Security card or W2, dispute letter).
After filing complaints – Attendees/Viewers: Monitor and promptly respond to all follow-up emails from the BBB to authorize and complete the dispute process.
If unsuccessful after first attempt – Attendees/Viewers: For subsequent dispute rounds, upload visual evidence of inaccuracies from credit reports to strengthen the case.
Understanding Charge Offs and Their Impact
Charge offs are among the most damaging negative marks, remaining on reports for up to 7 years and significantly lowering credit scores, even if paid off.
Lenders view charge offs as a major risk, often resulting in denial for new credit, loans, or mortgages.
The goal should be deletion of the charge off, not just settlement or payment.
Identifying and Documenting Inaccuracies
Obtain a full, detailed credit report from a reliable source (not just Credit Karma).
Carefully distinguish between collections and charge offs on the report.
Scrutinize every detail: account numbers, open dates, high credit, reported payment status, balances, dates last reported, credit limits, and payment history for discrepancies between bureaus.
Any inconsistency can be grounds for a dispute under consumer laws (15 USC 1681 requires 100% accuracy).
Drafting Dispute Letters
Use ChatGPT or similar tools to create dispute letters, including all identified inaccuracies and referencing applicable consumer protection laws (e.g., 15 USC 1681i, 15 USC 1666).
Each bureau reporting the charge off requires a separate letter.
Include precise details from the credit report to ensure specificity and accuracy.
Filing Complaints Through the BBB
File a complaint against each credit bureau showing the charge off via the BBB website.
Use accurate contact and identification information to enable follow-up.
In the complaint, detail the inaccuracies and reference the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Attach necessary documentation: dispute letter, ID, proof of address, Social Security card or W2 (no Social Security Number in the complaint text, but upload as supporting document).
Specify "correction to a credit report" as the desired resolution.
Expect follow-up emails from the BBB for authorization. Respond promptly to avoid dismissal of the complaint.
Persistence and Follow-Up
The process may require multiple rounds; if initially unsuccessful, augment later disputes with visual evidence of the inaccuracies.
Monitor updates to the credit report using tools like Credit Karma, but always rely on full reports for confirmation.
Consider calling bureaus directly to ensure receipt and processing of the BBB complaint.
Decisions
Use BBB as primary dispute channel (not CFPB) for this method — Chosen for ease of use and based on presenter’s track record with clients; BBB does not require an account and is effective for this process.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
Will the removal process work on the first attempt, or will further substantiation be necessary?
Are there additional steps or variations required for other types of negative marks (collections, late payments) not covered here?