When you get your updated credit report back from the credit bureaus, they will summarize what changed on your credit report due to your challenges. You can compare this report to your notes or to the previous credit report.

Some of your disputed items may come back as verified. The credit bureau never actually talked to the creditor, but has used a web based, automated system called eOscar. This system does not properly verify the documentation needed to validate or invalidate your dispute.

When this happens, you will follow up a technique called "method of verification." This technique forces the credit bureaus to expose the fact that they are using eOscar and not really verifying your claim.

In this video, you will learn how to handle the credit bureaus when their response is not in your favor.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

The CFPB regulates the credit bureaus. You can file an appeal with them when you need help and need them to override a decision or lack of action from the credit bureaus.

• File A Complaint with the CFPB

Federal Trade Commission

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, you can file a claim and receive a recovery plan.

• File an Identity Theft Claim

State Attorney General

Attorney general duties include providing consumer protections from fraud, scams and dangerous products, people and situations, enforcement of judgments, and many other state government regulated issues. If your credit repair situation requires this level of escalation due to false or inaccurate information not being removed from your file, your state's attorney general would be the office you contact.

The goal in this step is to go through the process and remove as many negative items as possible. You may not remove everything and that's okay. Remove as much as feasibly possible and move on to the next steps. You don't have to remove all the negatives to build a good score.