Bureaus are required by federal/provincial consumer protection law to investigate disputes within 30 days. If they can't verify the disputed item, they MUST remove it. Here's the 4-step process + a sample letter you can customize.
Pull your free report from both bureaus FIRST. Identify every error in writing — circle it.
Bank statements, paid-in-full letters, police report (for identity theft). Make COPIES — never send originals.
Online (fastest, 5-10 days), mail with tracking, or fax. Reference the file number from your report.
Bureau has 30 days to investigate. If they confirm the error, it gets removed. If denied, escalate with more documentation or add a Consumer Statement.
[Your name]
[Your address]
[City, Province, Postal code]
[Date]
Equifax Canada Co.
Consumer Relations Department
Box 190 Station Jean-Talon, Montreal QC H1S 2Z2
Re: Dispute of inaccurate information on credit file
Equifax/TransUnion File #: [your file number]
SIN (last 3): [XXX]
Date of birth: [YYYY-MM-DD]
Dear Consumer Relations,
I am writing to dispute an account appearing on my credit report that does not belong to me. I have never opened or applied for this account, nor authorized anyone else to do so on my behalf. This may be the result of identity theft or a mixed file.
The disputed item appears as follows on my credit report:
Creditor name: [creditor]
Account number: [account #]
Disputed information: [what is wrong]
I am requesting that this information be investigated and corrected or removed in accordance with the [Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) / applicable provincial consumer reporting legislation]. I have enclosed copies of supporting documentation.
Please send the results of your investigation in writing to the address above within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your printed name]
Enclosures:
· Copy of government-issued photo ID
· Copy of utility bill (proof of address)
· [Supporting documentation specific to your dispute]
consumer.equifax.ca → "Dispute Credit Report Information"
Response: 5-10 business daysConsumer Relations Department Box 190 Station Jean-Talon Montreal QC H1S 2Z2
Send registered mail with tracking. Response: 30 days.514-355-8502
Same 30-day window. Keep fax confirmation.