Got a Bankruptcy or Judgment on Your Report? Here’s How to Legally Challenge Public Records 👇 Public records like bankruptcies, tax liens, and civil judgments can destroy your credit for years — even after they’ve been resolved. But here’s what most credit repair services don’t teach you: These records are often unverifiable under FCRA and can be challenged just like collections or charge-offs. Let’s break down how to challenge and remove each type of public record 👇 💣 1. Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 or 13) 📉 Credit Impact: - Stays on your report 7–10 years - Shows in all 3 bureaus - Red flag to lenders ✅ Challenge Strategy: - LexisNexis and PACER are the sources — bureaus don’t go to court - Dispute with LexisNexis first, then the bureaus - Use Method of Verification letters:“Who verified this with the court? Please provide name and contact of person who confirmed this with the clerk.” 💡 Key Tip: Most court clerks will not verify anything — this opens the door for deletion. 🧾 2. Tax Liens (Federal or State) 📉 Credit Impact: - Most were removed from public reporting in 2017, but older reports may still show them - Can affect business and mortgage underwriting ✅ Challenge Strategy: - Request release/withdrawal from IRS (Form 12277) - File dispute citing incomplete or inaccurate info - Ask for verification source and legal authority to report ⚖️ 3. Civil Judgments 📉 Credit Impact: - From unpaid debts, lawsuits, or evictions - Shows as “Public Record” on credit reports ✅ Challenge Strategy: - Check for exact case #, court name, judgment amount - If ANYTHING is incorrect → dispute as incomplete or inaccurate - Bureaus often can’t verify directly with the court 🛠️ Tools to Use: - ❌ Method of Verification Letter - ❌ 609-Style Letter Requesting Source of Verification - ❌ CFPB Complaint if no response within 30 days - ❌ Freeze LexisNexis before challenging bankruptcy Below are your: - Bankruptcy Dispute Letter - Tax Lien Dispute Letter - Civil Judgment Dispute Letter

🛑 Debt You Don’t Recognize? Here’s the Letter to STOP It Cold If a debt shows up on your credit report — and you don’t recognize it, or you’re unsure if it’s legit — you have rights under the FDCPA to demand proof. This is where the Debt Validation Letter comes in. 📩 Use it to make collection agencies prove: You owe the debt They’re legally allowed to collect it The amount is accurate They’re reporting it lawfully ✉️ COPY + PASTE THIS DEBT VALIDATION LETTER TEMPLATE: [Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Date] [Debt Collector’s Name] [Debt Collector’s Address] Subject: Request for Debt Validation – Account #[Insert Account Number] To Whom It May Concern: I am responding to a collection notice or tradeline reported to the credit bureaus. I do not recognize this account and request that you validate the debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 USC 1692g. Please provide: 1. The original creditor’s name and contact info 2. Proof that I owe the debt 3. A breakdown of the amount 4. Proof that your company is licensed to collect in my state 5. A copy of the signed agreement or contract Until you provide proper validation, you must stop all collection efforts, and this account must not be reported to any credit bureaus. This is not a refusal to pay, but a request for clarification. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Last 4 of SSN] [Phone Number] 📌 What Happens Next? 📨 After sending the letter (via certified mail): They have 30 days to respond If they fail to validate, you can dispute the debt with the bureaus You can report non-compliance to the CFPB 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Need help figuring out if a debt is legit? Drop your question or DM and I’ll guide you through it.