In the State of Maryland, a Certificate of Merit was, until recently, issued to graduating high-school seniors who met certain academic requirements (such as completion of advanced courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.00); the statewide certificate has since been replaced by endorsements defined by each local school system.
Step Two. Tell the information provider (that is, the person, company, or organization that provides information about you to a credit reporting company), in writing, that you dispute an item in your credit report. Use this sample dispute letter. Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position.
The credit bureau has to notify you, in writing, that the item has been put back on your credit report. The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate your dispute and respond to you, in writing, with the results of the investigation.