If you have problems with ChexSystems, the best way to fix them is to get off the list. Don't forget that this business isn't perfect. They make mistakes that might make it hard for you to open a bank account. If ChexSystems made a mistake that led to your status, you can get them taken off to clear your record. This is how.
You'll need a copy of your ChexSystems record to figure out where the mistake is. You can get a copy by calling ChexSystems at 800-428-9623 and following the instructions on their automated system. Don't forget that it will take a few days to get. You should save this article as a bookmark so you can come back when your copy arrives.
Take some time to look over your report. It should have your name and a number that identifies you as a consumer. It should also have a few pieces of reported information (what ChexSystems is telling banks about you). You may also see "Inquiries Started by Consumer Action." This is what you are said to have done to make someone pull your report. There may also be one or more "Retail Information" listings, which are reports from other check writing databases, "Inquiries Not Initiated By Consumer Action" listings, which are reports that other people have pulled about you without your permission, a history of the checks you've ordered, and your social security number and drivers licence information.
You'll have to look over your report very carefully. Any mistake or wrong information should be kept in mind. Then think of ways you can show that these things are wrong. Pay special attention to the information in the "Reported Information" section, since that's what banks are told. Are there reports of debts that you know have been paid back to banks? Find proof that the entry was paid for so that you can dispute it.
Now that you have proof, it's time to go on the attack. Remove the wrong information from your report as soon as you can. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) says that ChexSystems and all other Consumer Reporting Agencies must let you dispute any information that is wrong or incomplete. Send a letter to ChexSystems explaining the mistakes on your report. This will be the start of your dispute. By sending this letter, ChexSystems is required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to look into those mistakes again within 30 days. If you send more information during that 30-day period, it could take them 45 days. If ChexSystems can't verify the information you said was wrong, they have to take it out of your record.
If you can't open a bank account because you're on the ChexSystems list, it's worth your time to spend a few minutes looking for mistakes and writing a letter to dispute them.
You only have to spend time and a stamp on it, and if it works, your record could be completely clean. Think about writing a letter like the one below. Make sure to point out all mistakes in a clear way. If you use the sample letter, make sure to change all the comments that are in italics or between brackets. It's important to be clear, polite, and right. You can send the letter by fax or express mail, and make sure to keep a copy.
Once you've sent your letter, ChexSystems may get in touch with you to find out more. Make sure you don't forget when you sent your letter, and mark it on your calendar. If you don't hear from them in 30 days, you'll need to follow up. Check this website again to find examples of letters that you can use to follow up. Find out what mistakes are on your ChexSystems report in just a few minutes. The benefits can be huge. Think about being able to open a bank account again because your record is clean.
