FCRA dispute letter template for background-check errors

Template

Use this as a structure, not as legal advice. Replace bracketed fields with your facts and attach only documents that support the specific disputed item.

Subject: FCRA dispute of inaccurate background-check information

To: [Consumer reporting agency]

I am disputing inaccurate or incomplete information in the background-check report prepared about me for [employer/platform/landlord]. The report date is [date], and the report/reference number is [number if available].

Disputed item:
[Identify the exact charge, case number, county, date, employer record, education record, license record, or identity item.]

Why this item is inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, or not mine:
[State the correction in short factual sentences.]

Evidence attached:
[List court disposition, expungement/sealing order, ID document, address proof, employer record, school record, or other source document.]

Requested correction:
Please reinvestigate this item under the FCRA, delete or correct the inaccurate information, provide me with the results, and send a corrected report to the company that received the original report.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your contact information]

What to attach

• The report page showing the disputed item.
• Certified disposition, docket, order, or official agency record.
• Identity documents for mixed-file disputes.
• Employment, education, or license proof for verification errors.
• Proof of prior dispute or CRA response if this is a follow-up.

What not to include

• Sensitive documents unrelated to the disputed item.
• A long personal history that does not prove the report is wrong.
• Admissions or speculation about records that are not in the report.
• Threats. Keep escalation factual and documented.

After sending the dispute

Save the exact version you submitted, proof of submission, attachments, and the date. If the CRA corrects the report, ask it to send the corrected report to the employer, platform, landlord, or other report user.