What is the e-Oscar Method of Investigation

By Lisa Phillips on May 11th, 2012 in Credit Repair

The e-Oscar method of investigating credit disputes may be the reason your credit dispute was verified as being accurate when you are positive a mistake has occurred. Credit reporting agencies (CRAs) have created an automated computerized system of dealing with consumer credit disputes.

e-OSCAR enables Experian, Transunion, Equifax, and other consumer reporting agencies to create and respond to consumer credit history disputes automatically, without conducting an real investigation.

The e-Oscar method of investigation converts written dispute letters into a two or three digit code, thereby eliminating the CRA’s responsibility to conduct real investigations in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The e-Oscar (Online Solution for Complete and Accurate Reporting) system is utilized even when consumers send in detailed disputes, with supporting documents. The dispute is  broken down into a two or three digit code and sent to the original creditor to verify a simple code, failing the duty to investigate.

Consumer Dispute Verification Form

The CRAs use a form called Consumer Dispute Verification (CDV) to communicate disputes to data furnishers of the disputed information. Data furnishers can be original creditors, debt collectors or any other entity that reports information to your credit file. The automated version of the form is called Automated Consumer Dispute Verification (ACDV). The process by which the CRAs open an investigation with the original creditor or furnisher of the information is by transmitting the ACDV via the E-Oscar system.

How E-Oscar Works
 

• The CRA receives a dispute letter from the consumer.
• The CRA employee reads the letter and selects a dispute code from among several specific codes offered by the e-Oscar system.
• The ACDV transmitted to the data furnisher consists of consumer identifying information; the e-Oscar code(s) summarizing the consumer’s dispute and in some cases a one or two line narrative to supplement the dispute code.

Why e-Oscar is Problematic

Consumer credit disputes can be unique and complex. Many dispute letters are accompanied by supporting documents and proof which is imperative to getting an error corrected. The e-Oscar method of investigation reduces often detailed credit disputes to a two or three digit code by an overworked, time constricted credit bureau employee. It is totally in their discretion what code best describes the dispute.

The E-Oscar code is transmitted to the data furnisher and no supporting documentation that may have been submitted by the consumer is sent. That supporting documentation is crucial to correcting errors. It is often conclusive proof that an error has occurred; and, that error should be corrected or deleted. This practice is a direct violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. No real investigation was ever conducted.

To make matters worse, out of the possible codes the credit reporting agencies can use, they use the same 4 codes “for nearly 90% of all disputes.” The percentage breakdown of commonly used codes by the credit reporting agencies is as follows:
 

• Not his/hers 30.5%
• Disputes present/previous Account Status/History 21.2%
• Claims Inaccurate Information. Did not provide specific dispute 16.8%
• Disputes amounts. 8.8%
• Claims account closed by consumer. 7.0%

This information comes from written testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services regarding “Fair Credit Reporting Act: How it Functions for Consumers and the Economy” submitted by Leonard A. Bennett of Consumer Litigation Associates on June 19, 2007. See the full report here.

Results of E-Oscar Disputes

Often consumers get the results of an investigation stating the account was verified by the creditor without any details of the investigation, who was contacted and what information was obtained to verify the account as accurate. Because of the E-Oscar system consumers get frustrated with the dispute process and sometimes give up. Don’t give up! Exercise your rights under the FCRA, Section 611 (a)(6) and (7) and request the credit reporting agency give you the “Method of Verification.”

As you can see credit repair can be complex and may call for several strategies, knowledge of credit laws and patience. Sometimes you have to let a professional handle your credit repair needs. Get Legal, Effective, Credit Report Repair – Call (877) 587-4574

2 Responses to “What is the e-Oscar Method of Investigation”

1. Barbara says:

   August 19, 2011 at 5:57 pm

   Can a creditor still send you monthly statments to collect on a bill after they have sent your debit to a collection agency?
2. Lisa Phillips says:

   August 21, 2011 at 1:33 pm

   Your question has been moved to appropriate section “Questions & Answers” and you can find a reply here.