The Method of Verification Letter:
If the credit reporting agencies continue to verify information that you deem inaccurate, you can attempt removal of the account by using a tactic called Method of Verification.
The method of verification tactic is often called the secret weapon of credit repair, however, the reporting agencies have started to catch on to this tactic.
One of the major drawbacks to any dispute process initiated through a credit reporting agency is handled through a universal computer system called eOscar. The eOscar system sanitizes your dispute, turning it into a vague two digit code, which is then sent over to the furnisher of the information. This is the reason some disputes come back as verified even when you have valid factual basis for your dispute.
Once you receive notice from the credit reporting agency telling you the information you disputed has been verified as accurate, you can request the method of verification. This is your right under the FCRA section 611 (a) (7). The credit reporting agency must give you this information within 15 days of the request. This is the basis for the entire method of verification approach.
The logic behind the method of verification tactic is time. The credit reporting agencies only have 15 days to provide you the way in which they verified the information. Since your dispute was sanitized through eOscar, they must now submit the actual factual evidence you provided them and get real response within 15 days. Often, they will not complete this work in the time frame provided, which will lead to the removal of the negative information. The method of verification tactic has proven quite successful.
I would advise using this tactic after other disputes and efforts have failed. The more effort you put into an account, the more likely it will be removed in the future.
This article was last updated on May 10, 2022