A recent report from CreditRatings asked readers if they have discovered any errors on their credit reports. Over 2000 people responded and nearly 75% of those responding admitted they had found errors with their credit reports. At one time or another they had discovered errors when they checked out their credit reports.

With nearly 3 out of every 4 people responding positively for errors on their credit reports along with the criminals involved with identity theft becoming cleverer with their invasion to steal consumer identities, we should all have a wakeup call that makes us review our credit reports more closely. Not only should you pay more detailed attention to your credit report, you should also review it more regularly.

If you happen to find any errors on your credit report while reviewing the information, these are the steps you should take as soon as possible to address the issues;

• Get your credit report

A credit report can be obtained free of charge from one of the three big credit bureaus. These include Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Credit reports can be obtained free of charge once per year from each of the credit bureaus. You can request all three at once or at different times. There may be slightly different information on each reporting agency’s material. Therefore, it is best to review one from each agency.

• Check for any errors or omissions

Review your credit report in detail because a bad credit report can affect your ability to get credit and other things you may have not even considered. A great example is your auto insurance rates are affected by your credit report. If you are applying for a job you employer may even review your credit report score and a negative credit score could cost you employment opportunities.

An omission from your credit report can be just as important as a bad credit score. If you had a gas credit card last year and paid it off in full and don’t see that information on the report from the credit bureaus, find out why and fix the omission. This could be the difference in whether or not you get the apartment that you wanted.

• If you find an error or omission, information must be gathered

As soon as an error or omission is discovered gather the necessary information to make corrections. This is an extremely critical step in the process. Information should support your case for the correction as well as prove your position. This would include copies of cancelled checks or letters and documents that show the balance was taken care of or the correct balance due. If you have any other critical information that pertains to the situation, supply this also. You cannot have too much.

Make certain your facts and documentation support your position and they understand what error or omission must be corrected.

• Everything related to the correction must be in writing

Everything must be documented in writing. Phone calls are great, but in this circumstance you want everything to be in a written context. Contact the credit bureau that needs to correct the report. Structure your letter or request for correction as if you were writing to a potential employer, keep it professional as well as easy to read and understand.

Report the disputed information and explain the situation and what you would like to see happen to resolve the issue. Make certain you include account numbers, balance information, check numbers, dates and all other pertinent information. Number all of your attachments and send copies instead of everything. Keep all of your originals. Make it very clear what needs to be changed on your report. Sign your letter and information.

These are steps to take to make certain all information on your credit report is correct and what you need to do if it is not.