What is a Charge-Off and Why You Might Need a Remove Charge Off Letter Sample
A charge-off is essentially a lender saying they're done trying to get their money back from you. They report this to credit bureaus, and it stays on your report for a long time, typically seven years. This makes it harder to get loans, rent an apartment, or even get certain jobs. The good news is, sometimes you can get a charge-off removed, and that's where a Remove Charge Off Letter Sample comes in handy. There are a few main reasons why a charge-off might be inaccurately reported or why you might negotiate to have it removed:- Errors: Mistakes happen. The charge-off might be on the wrong person's report, or the amount could be incorrect.
- Settlement: You might have paid a portion of the debt, and the creditor agreed to remove the charge-off as part of the settlement.
- Dispute: If you believe the charge-off is invalid for any other reason, you have the right to dispute it.
The importance of having a well-written letter, like a Remove Charge Off Letter Sample, cannot be overstated. It's your formal communication and proof of your request.
| Reason | Action Needed |
|---|---|
| Disputed charge-off | Send a dispute letter to the credit bureau and creditor. |
| Settlement agreement | Send a letter referencing the agreement and requesting removal. |
| Identity theft | File a police report and send a letter with proof. |
Sample Letter to Remove Charge Off Due to Identity Theft
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Subject: Request to Remove Erroneous Charge-Off Due to Identity Theft - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute a charge-off that has been incorrectly reported on my credit report. I have recently discovered that the account ending in [Last 4 digits of account number] associated with [Creditor Name] for the amount of $[Amount] has been charged off. This is fraudulent activity, as I am a victim of identity theft and did not open or authorize this account.
I have attached a copy of the police report I filed on [Date of police report] detailing the identity theft incident. I have also included [mention any other supporting documents, e.g., FTC Identity Theft Affidavit]. I kindly request that you investigate this matter thoroughly and remove this inaccurate charge-off from my credit report immediately. I have also sent a similar request to [Creditor Name].
Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Subject: Request to Remove Erroneous Charge-Off Due to Identity Theft - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute a charge-off that has been incorrectly reported on my credit report. I have recently discovered that the account ending in [Last 4 digits of account number] associated with [Creditor Name] for the amount of $[Amount] has been charged off. This is fraudulent activity, as I am a victim of identity theft and did not open or authorize this account.
I have attached a copy of the police report I filed on [Date of police report] detailing the identity theft incident. I have also included [mention any other supporting documents, e.g., FTC Identity Theft Affidavit]. I kindly request that you investigate this matter thoroughly and remove this inaccurate charge-off from my credit report immediately. I have also sent a similar request to [Creditor Name].
Thank you for your prompt attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter Requesting Removal After Settling a Debt
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Subject: Request for Charge-Off Removal Following Debt Settlement - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
This letter is a follow-up to our recent debt settlement agreement regarding account number [Original Account Number]. On [Date of settlement agreement], we agreed that I would pay $[Settlement Amount] in full satisfaction of the outstanding balance.
I have fulfilled my obligation and made the payment of $[Settlement Amount] on [Date of payment]. As per our agreement, I am now formally requesting that you remove the charge-off status for this account from my credit report. This was a key condition of our settlement, and I trust that you will honor this commitment.
Please confirm in writing that the charge-off has been removed or will be removed within [Number] days. I have enclosed proof of payment for your records.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Subject: Request for Charge-Off Removal Following Debt Settlement - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
This letter is a follow-up to our recent debt settlement agreement regarding account number [Original Account Number]. On [Date of settlement agreement], we agreed that I would pay $[Settlement Amount] in full satisfaction of the outstanding balance.
I have fulfilled my obligation and made the payment of $[Settlement Amount] on [Date of payment]. As per our agreement, I am now formally requesting that you remove the charge-off status for this account from my credit report. This was a key condition of our settlement, and I trust that you will honor this commitment.
Please confirm in writing that the charge-off has been removed or will be removed within [Number] days. I have enclosed proof of payment for your records.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter to Dispute a Charge-Off with a Credit Bureau
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Subject: Dispute of Charge-Off - Account Number: [Original Account Number] - Social Security Number: [Your SSN]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the accuracy of a charge-off listed on my credit report with your agency. The account in question is with [Creditor Name], with an original account number of [Original Account Number] and a reported charge-off date of [Charge-off Date]. The reported balance is $[Amount].
I believe this charge-off is inaccurate for the following reason(s):
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are required to investigate this dispute within 30 days. Please provide me with the results of your investigation in writing.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Subject: Dispute of Charge-Off - Account Number: [Original Account Number] - Social Security Number: [Your SSN]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the accuracy of a charge-off listed on my credit report with your agency. The account in question is with [Creditor Name], with an original account number of [Original Account Number] and a reported charge-off date of [Charge-off Date]. The reported balance is $[Amount].
I believe this charge-off is inaccurate for the following reason(s):
- [Clearly state your reason for dispute. Examples: I paid this account in full on (Date). The amount reported is incorrect. I have never had an account with this creditor.]
- [Add another reason if applicable.]
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are required to investigate this dispute within 30 days. Please provide me with the results of your investigation in writing.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter to Request Goodwill Deletion of Charge Off
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Subject: Goodwill Request to Remove Charge-Off - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you today with a heartfelt request regarding my past account, number [Original Account Number]. I understand that this account was eventually charged off on [Charge-off Date] due to [briefly and honestly explain the situation, e.g., unforeseen financial difficulties, a temporary job loss].
Since that time, I have worked hard to improve my financial situation and have demonstrated responsible credit behavior. I have [mention positive actions, e.g., paid off other debts, maintained steady employment, shown consistent on-time payments on other accounts]. I am hoping that you will consider my progress and grant me a goodwill gesture.
My request is for you to consider removing the charge-off entry for this account from my credit report. I understand that charge-offs can have a significant negative impact on credit scores, and I would be incredibly grateful if you could help me rectify this.
I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and am committed to maintaining excellent credit moving forward. I would appreciate any consideration you can give to my request.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Subject: Goodwill Request to Remove Charge-Off - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you today with a heartfelt request regarding my past account, number [Original Account Number]. I understand that this account was eventually charged off on [Charge-off Date] due to [briefly and honestly explain the situation, e.g., unforeseen financial difficulties, a temporary job loss].
Since that time, I have worked hard to improve my financial situation and have demonstrated responsible credit behavior. I have [mention positive actions, e.g., paid off other debts, maintained steady employment, shown consistent on-time payments on other accounts]. I am hoping that you will consider my progress and grant me a goodwill gesture.
My request is for you to consider removing the charge-off entry for this account from my credit report. I understand that charge-offs can have a significant negative impact on credit scores, and I would be incredibly grateful if you could help me rectify this.
I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and am committed to maintaining excellent credit moving forward. I would appreciate any consideration you can give to my request.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Email to Creditor After Successful Charge-Off Negotiation
To: [Creditor's Customer Service Email Address]
From: [Your Email Address]
Subject: Confirmation of Charge-Off Removal - Account [Original Account Number]
Dear [Creditor Contact Person or Customer Service Department],
I am writing to confirm our recent conversation and agreement regarding the charge-off on account number [Original Account Number]. As we discussed on [Date of conversation], you agreed to remove the charge-off from my credit report in exchange for [mention what you did, e.g., a final settlement payment of $X, or my commitment to improved payment history going forward].
I have [mention action taken, e.g., made the agreed-upon payment on (Date), or have been making consistent on-time payments since (Date)].
I would appreciate it if you could provide written confirmation that the charge-off has been removed or will be removed from my credit report by [Specific Date, if agreed upon]. This confirmation will serve as important documentation for my records.
Thank you for your understanding and for working with me to resolve this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
From: [Your Email Address]
Subject: Confirmation of Charge-Off Removal - Account [Original Account Number]
Dear [Creditor Contact Person or Customer Service Department],
I am writing to confirm our recent conversation and agreement regarding the charge-off on account number [Original Account Number]. As we discussed on [Date of conversation], you agreed to remove the charge-off from my credit report in exchange for [mention what you did, e.g., a final settlement payment of $X, or my commitment to improved payment history going forward].
I have [mention action taken, e.g., made the agreed-upon payment on (Date), or have been making consistent on-time payments since (Date)].
I would appreciate it if you could provide written confirmation that the charge-off has been removed or will be removed from my credit report by [Specific Date, if agreed upon]. This confirmation will serve as important documentation for my records.
Thank you for your understanding and for working with me to resolve this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter to Credit Bureau if Creditor Fails to Remove Charge-Off
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Subject: Follow-up: Inaccurate Charge-Off Not Removed - Account: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to follow up on my previous dispute regarding the charge-off on my credit report from [Creditor Name], account number [Original Account Number]. I initially disputed this on [Date of initial dispute].
As per our agreement, the creditor was supposed to remove this inaccurate charge-off. However, it still appears on my credit report as of today's date. I have attached a copy of my updated credit report for your review, highlighting the unresolved charge-off. I have also enclosed a copy of my initial dispute letter and any correspondence from the creditor acknowledging the removal.
I kindly request that you investigate this matter further and ensure the charge-off is removed from my credit report immediately, as per the Fair Credit Reporting Act and our previous agreement.
Please inform me of the steps you are taking to resolve this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Subject: Follow-up: Inaccurate Charge-Off Not Removed - Account: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to follow up on my previous dispute regarding the charge-off on my credit report from [Creditor Name], account number [Original Account Number]. I initially disputed this on [Date of initial dispute].
As per our agreement, the creditor was supposed to remove this inaccurate charge-off. However, it still appears on my credit report as of today's date. I have attached a copy of my updated credit report for your review, highlighting the unresolved charge-off. I have also enclosed a copy of my initial dispute letter and any correspondence from the creditor acknowledging the removal.
I kindly request that you investigate this matter further and ensure the charge-off is removed from my credit report immediately, as per the Fair Credit Reporting Act and our previous agreement.
Please inform me of the steps you are taking to resolve this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter of Demand to Remove Charge Off
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested
Subject: Demand to Remove Incorrect Charge-Off - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
This letter serves as a formal demand for the immediate removal of the charge-off associated with account number [Original Account Number]. This charge-off, which occurred on or about [Charge-off Date], is inaccurate and is causing significant damage to my creditworthiness.
[State your reason for the incorrect charge-off clearly and concisely. Be assertive but factual. For example: "Despite my repeated attempts to resolve this matter and provide evidence that the debt was settled on [Date], the charge-off remains on my credit report. Your continued failure to correct this error constitutes a violation of my consumer rights."] Alternatively: "I have provided sufficient proof that this charge-off is erroneous due to [explain briefly, e.g., identity theft, payment dispute]. Your failure to act on this information is unacceptable."
I demand that you take immediate action to remove this inaccurate charge-off from my credit report within [Number, e.g., 15] days of the date of this letter. Failure to comply with this demand will leave me with no alternative but to pursue further action, which may include filing complaints with regulatory agencies and seeking legal remedies.
I expect prompt confirmation of the removal of this charge-off.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
Via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested
Subject: Demand to Remove Incorrect Charge-Off - Account Number: [Original Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
This letter serves as a formal demand for the immediate removal of the charge-off associated with account number [Original Account Number]. This charge-off, which occurred on or about [Charge-off Date], is inaccurate and is causing significant damage to my creditworthiness.
[State your reason for the incorrect charge-off clearly and concisely. Be assertive but factual. For example: "Despite my repeated attempts to resolve this matter and provide evidence that the debt was settled on [Date], the charge-off remains on my credit report. Your continued failure to correct this error constitutes a violation of my consumer rights."] Alternatively: "I have provided sufficient proof that this charge-off is erroneous due to [explain briefly, e.g., identity theft, payment dispute]. Your failure to act on this information is unacceptable."
I demand that you take immediate action to remove this inaccurate charge-off from my credit report within [Number, e.g., 15] days of the date of this letter. Failure to comply with this demand will leave me with no alternative but to pursue further action, which may include filing complaints with regulatory agencies and seeking legal remedies.
I expect prompt confirmation of the removal of this charge-off.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]