This session covered the topic of the "609 letter," a specific type of credit dispute letter referencing Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Monica explained its purpose, how to use it to challenge negative items on credit reports, and the steps to send it effectively. She detailed supporting documentation needed, strategic benefits, and what to expect after sending. Key focus was on empowering individuals to improve their credit by leveraging legal avenues and consistent follow-up.
Action Items
(No strict due dates were given, as this was an instructional session, but these are the recommended action steps for viewers:)
Pull and review all three credit reports (and FICO scores), ideally using Experian’s $39.99 service.
Highlight and note all inaccurate information including names, addresses, social security numbers, and phone numbers.
Send a personal information update letter (with current ID and two utility bills) to each bureau to correct any errors.
Download the 609 letter template from getdisputeletters.com or secretcreditletters.com.
Edit the 609 letter for each bureau, listing all closed negative accounts and required details.
Gather required supporting documents: current government-issued ID and two recent utility bills (or bank/loan statement with sensitive information redacted).
Send the 609 letter and documentation to each bureau via trackable mail.
Wait 30 calendar days from receipt, monitor updates, and follow up with a legal notice if the bureau does not comply.
Begin opening new credit accounts responsibly and pay existing accounts on time to rebuild credit as items are removed.
Overview of the 609 Letter and Credit Dispute Process
The 609 letter is a tool to request full disclosure of all information in a credit file, demanding proof of negative items’ validity and origin.
It can be sent as an initial dispute or after failed previous disputes to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Bureaus commonly attempt to delay by questioning the sender’s identity; always include current ID and two utility bills to preempt this.
Focus initial disputes on closed accounts (collections, foreclosures, repossessions, discharged bankruptcies) using the 609 letter format.
Collection agencies are often unable to provide required contractual proof and are easier to remove via this method.
The process requires patience and persistence, with improvements often seen in 90–120 days when steps are consistently followed.
Never send signature or ID copies to creditors or collection agencies—supporting documentation is for credit bureaus only.
Steps for Using the 609 Letter
Obtain and print your full credit reports with FICO scores.
Identify all incorrect personal information and send update letters to each bureau to correct these.
Download and personalize the 609 letter, listing all closed negative accounts for each bureau separately.
Attach required identification and address documentation.
Send the letter via trackable mail (not necessarily certified) and record the delivery date.
Wait 30 calendar days from delivery (not business days) for investigation results and changes.
If the bureau fails to comply, follow up with a lawsuit notice letter threatening legal action for non-disclosure, as per federal law.
If proof is provided for any item, additional dispute steps (e.g., method of verification) may be needed.
Decisions
Recommended using the 609 letter as an initial or follow-up credit dispute strategy — based on its ability to demand original documentation and the frequent absence of such documentation, especially from collection agencies.
Advised targeting closed accounts first — as these are more likely to be removed due to lack of documentation.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
Will viewers encounter bureau pushback requiring advanced legal notices when using the 609 letter?
Individual results may vary; ongoing documentation and follow-up needed if negative items are not removed after 30 days.