Section 623 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act addresses the responsibilities of "furnishers of information" — the banks, credit card companies, auto lenders, medical providers, and collection agencies that report information to the credit bureaus. Under § 623(b), these furnishers have a direct obligation to consumers when a dispute is filed — independent of the bureau's obligation under § 611.
What FCRA § 623(b) Requires
When a furnisher receives notice of a dispute — whether forwarded by a bureau or sent directly by you — they must conduct a reasonable investigation, review all relevant information provided with the dispute, and report the results to each bureau they furnished the disputed information to. If the investigation finds the information was inaccurate, they must promptly notify all bureaus and correct or delete the item.
How to Dispute Directly With a Furnisher
Send a written dispute letter to the furnisher's address for receiving disputes. Many creditors and collectors have a specific dispute address — check their most recent statement or written communication for this address. Include the account number, the specific inaccuracy, and any supporting documentation. Send via Certified Mail.
Why Direct Furnisher Disputes Are Often More Effective
When you dispute through the bureau, your dispute is reduced to a two-digit E-OSCAR code before it reaches the furnisher. When you dispute directly with the furnisher, they receive your full letter and all attachments. This typically triggers a more thorough review than the automated E-OSCAR process alone.
The Combined Strategy
File simultaneous disputes with both the bureau and the furnisher. The bureau dispute triggers the 30-day investigation clock. The furnisher dispute creates an independent investigation obligation. This two-front approach applies maximum legal pressure and leaves the fewest avenues for a summary dismissal.
If the Furnisher Fails to Comply
If a furnisher violates their § 623 obligations — fails to investigate, reports information they know is inaccurate, or fails to correct identified errors — they may be subject to liability under FCRA §§ 616 and 617. Document all furnisher disputes with certified mail receipts and keep copies of all responses.