Send the credit bureau a written request for a description of the procedure it used to verify the disputed item. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(7) it must respond within 15 days, including the furnisher's name and address and, if reasonably available, phone number.
A “method of verification” request asks the credit bureau to explain how it confirmed an item you disputed. The right comes from the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
What the law says
- After a reinvestigation, the bureau’s written results notice must include a statement that, if you request it, the bureau will give you a description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the information, including the business name and address of any furnisher contacted and, if reasonably available, the furnisher’s telephone number (15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(6)(B)(iii)).
- The bureau must provide that description no later than 15 days after receiving your request (§ 1681i(a)(7)).
How to make the request
- Put it in writing. Send a short letter to the bureau’s dispute address. Certified mail with a return receipt gives you proof of the date it was received.
- Identify yourself and the dispute. Include your full name, address, date of birth, the dispute or confirmation number, and the account or item at issue.
- Cite the statute. Ask for “a description of the procedure used to determine the accuracy and completeness of the information, as provided by 15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(7).”
- Keep copies of the letter, the proof of mailing, and the results notice.
What to expect
Responses are often brief, for example stating that the furnisher was contacted and confirmed the information. The statute requires a description of the procedure, not production of the underlying account records. Even so, the response can show who verified the item, which helps you decide whether to dispute again with more documents, dispute directly with the furnisher, or add a statement of dispute to your file.
If the bureau does not respond within 15 days, keep a record of that as well, along with your proof of the date it received the request.
Related
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(6)–(7) — Results notice and description of reinvestigation procedure (Cornell LII)
- FTC — Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports
Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.