# DisputeFox Complete Guide

**This page is the complete guide to DisputeFox at Crowned Credit — covering account setup, dispute round management, letter generation, client tracking, and system administration.**

This page covers the essential guidelines and procedures for **DisputeFox Complete Guide** at Crowned Credit. Use the sections below to quickly find the information you need.

## DisputeFox — Complete Guide

**DisputeFox is Crowned Credit's dispute management platform.** It is the primary tool used by the Dispute Team (based in the Philippines) to manage every client's credit dispute journey — from initial import to final resolution. Every round of letters, every bureau response, and every item status is tracked here.

> 💡 DisputeFox is used **exclusively by the Dispute Team**. CS reps do not generate letters — they refer clients to the dispute team and update notes in GHL.

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## What DisputeFox Does

- Generates professional dispute letters addressed to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Tracks dispute rounds, bureau responses, and item removal status
- Maintains complete client credit files and full dispute history
- Manages the entire dispute lifecycle from onboarding intake to resolution
- Stores client data securely with role-based team access
- Integrates with SmartCredit report imports for seamless dispute setup

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## Login &amp; Access

### How to Log In

1. Go to **app.disputefox.com**
2. Enter your assigned credentials — provided by Dianna or your team lead
3. You will land on the Dashboard showing your assigned client list
4. Verify that your company is set to: **Crowned Credit 4**

> ⚠️ If your company shows anything other than **Crowned Credit 4**, stop and contact your team lead immediately. Working in the wrong sub-account will cause data errors and misassignment of client files.

### Dashboard Overview

<div id="bkmrk-dashboard-sectionwha" style="margin:16px 0;"><table id="bkmrk-dashboard-sectionwha-1" style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:20px 0;"><thead><tr><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Dashboard Section</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">What It Shows</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Client List**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">All active clients assigned to you or your team. Filter by: Active, Archived, Paused.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Import Queue**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Clients awaiting credit report import before disputes can begin.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Round Tracker**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Overview of which clients are in which dispute round and when responses are due.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Bureau Responses**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Incoming bureau responses by client and item status.</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div>---

## How Disputes Work: The Round Flow

Understanding the dispute round cycle is essential to doing this job correctly. Here's how the process works from start to finish:

<div id="bkmrk-roundtimingwhat-happ" style="margin:16px 0;"><table id="bkmrk-roundtimingwhat-happ-1" style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:20px 0;"><thead><tr><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Round</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Timing</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">What Happens</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Round 1**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">At onboarding (Day 1–3)</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Credit report imported from SmartCredit. Negative items identified. First set of dispute letters generated and sent to all three bureaus.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Bureau Response Window**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Days 4–35</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Bureaus have 30 days (per FCRA) to investigate and respond. Status shows as **Pending** in DisputeFox.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Round 1 Response Review**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Days 35–45</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Bureau responses arrive. Items are updated: Removed ✅, Verified 🔄, or Failed ❌. Client is notified via GHL automation.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Round 2**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">~Day 35–45</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">New round opened for items that were not removed. Escalated letter templates used for verified/failed items. Process repeats.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Ongoing Rounds**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Every 35–45 days</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Continue until all disputable items are resolved, removed, or verified as legitimate.</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div>> 📋 **FCRA Requirement:** Bureaus are legally required to respond to disputes within 30 days. If no response comes, that's grounds for an escalated dispute letter referencing their violation of Section 611 of the FCRA.

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## Common Tasks: Step-by-Step

### How to Create a New Client Profile

1. Click **+ New Client** in the DisputeFox dashboard
2. Enter all required information: 
    - First name, Last name, Email address, Phone number
    - Full mailing address (this appears on dispute letters — must be accurate)
    - Last 4 digits of SSN in the Notes field (do NOT enter full SSN)
3. Import the credit report from SmartCredit (see SmartCredit Guide for access instructions)
4. Verify all 3 bureaus are connected: **Equifax, Experian, TransUnion**
5. Tag the client correctly with their plan type: **Essentials / Accelerated / Momentum**
6. Set client status to: **Active**
7. Assign to folder: **Active Client**
8. Assign company to: **Crowned Credit 4**
9. Post in the Dispute Team WhatsApp GC and tag Dianna to notify the team that the new client is ready

### How to Generate Dispute Letters

1. Open the client profile in DisputeFox
2. Navigate to the **Credit Report** tab — review all items on the report
3. Identify negative items to dispute: late payments, collections, charge-offs, incorrect balances, unauthorized inquiries
4. Click **New Round** to start a new dispute round
5. Select which bureau(s) to dispute with: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, or all 3
6. For each item to dispute, select the item and assign the appropriate **reason code**: 
    - *Not mine / Identity error*
    - *Never late / Incorrect payment history*
    - *Account already paid / Settled*
    - *Inaccurate balance*
    - *Outdated — past 7-year reporting limit*
    - *Duplicate account*
7. DisputeFox automatically generates the dispute letters — review each one carefully
8. Verify accuracy: client name, address, and every disputed item
9. Print and mail via certified mail OR send electronically via the bureau's online dispute portal
10. Log the round date in the client's file and set the expected response date (+30 days)

### How to Track Dispute Progress

Navigate to: **Client Profile → Disputes Tab**

This shows all rounds, disputed items, bureau responses, and current status of each item.

<div id="bkmrk-statusmeaningnext-ac" style="margin:16px 0;"><table id="bkmrk-statusmeaningnext-ac-1" style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:20px 0;"><thead><tr><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Status</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Meaning</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Next Action</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">🟡 **Pending**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Letter sent — awaiting bureau response (within 30 days)</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">No action needed. Monitor for response.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">✅ **Removed**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Bureau deleted the item from the report</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Notify client. Update progress report.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">🔄 **Verified**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Bureau confirmed the item as accurate (they investigated and kept it)</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Use escalated letter template for next round. May require different reason code.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">❌ **Failed**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Item was not removed and bureau provided no favorable response</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Evaluate whether escalation or different dispute strategy is needed. Consult team lead.</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div>### How to Reactivate a Paused or Archived Client

> ⚠️ **Before Reactivation:** Always get the most recent credit report first (use SmartCredit existing report — NEVER order a new one). Import it into DisputeFox before changing the client's status.

1. Search for the client in DisputeFox by name or email. If you can't find them, change the filter from "Active" to "All" — they may be archived.
2. Check for **import overdues** on the client profile — if present, pull the latest SmartCredit report and update the file
3. Change client status: **Archived → Active**
4. Move client to folder: **Active Client**
5. Portal Settings: Toggle **ON** (so client can access their portal again)
6. Verify all settings are correct: 
    - Status = Slow Delete EM or Accelerated
    - Password format = Name123
    - 3-bureau credit monitoring confirmed active
7. Assign company to: **Crowned Credit 4**
8. Notify the team: post in WhatsApp GC and tag Dianna — Dispute Team
9. Update the **Reactivation Google Sheet Tracker** for commission tracking purposes

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## Dispute Letter Types

<div id="bkmrk-letter-typewhen-to-u" style="margin:16px 0;"><table id="bkmrk-letter-typewhen-to-u-1" style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:20px 0;"><thead><tr><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Letter Type</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">When to Use</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Key Language</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Standard Dispute Letter**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Round 1 — first-time dispute of an item</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Identifies item, states reason for dispute, requests investigation under FCRA Section 611</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Escalated / Frivolous Rebuttal**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">When bureau calls a dispute "frivolous" or returns a form letter</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">References FCRA rights, demands proper investigation, may cite CFPB complaint process</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Method of Verification**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">When bureau verifies an item but you need proof of how they verified it</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Asks bureau to provide the specific method and source used to verify the item</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Debt Validation Letter**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">For collections — send to the collection agency (not the bureau) within 30 days of first contact</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Demands proof of the debt, chain of ownership, and client's obligation</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div>---

## Common Issues &amp; Fixes

<div id="bkmrk-issuelikely-causefix" style="margin:16px 0;"><table id="bkmrk-issuelikely-causefix-1" style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:20px 0;"><thead><tr><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Issue</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Likely Cause</th><th style="background:#2b386d;color:#FFFFFF;padding:12px;text-align:left;">Fix</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Import overdues on client profile**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Credit report data is stale or not re-imported after a gap</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Pull latest SmartCredit report → re-import into DisputeFox</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Bureau not responding to letters**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Incorrect mailing address or format issue</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Resend via certified mail with tracking. Use escalated letter template referencing FCRA Section 611.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Client portal not working**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Portal Settings toggled to OFF</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Go to client profile → Portal Settings → Toggle ON</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Wrong company assignment**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Client assigned to wrong Crowned Credit sub-account</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Change to **Crowned Credit 4** in the client's settings dropdown</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Can't find a client**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Client is archived and not showing in active filter</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Change filter from "Active" to "All" to show archived clients</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Bureau called dispute "frivolous"**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Generic or repetitive dispute reason used</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Switch to a different reason code. Use the Frivolous Rebuttal letter template. Add specific evidence if available.</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">**Letters generating with wrong address**</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Client address entered incorrectly at onboarding</td><td style="padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;">Update client profile address. Regenerate letters before sending.</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div>---

## Rules &amp; Reminders

- **Never order a new SmartCredit report** — always use the existing/most recent one.
- **Always verify client address** before generating and sending letters.
- **Log every action** — every round started, every letter sent, every bureau response.
- **Notify the team** via WhatsApp GC when new clients are added or clients are reactivated.
- **Update the Reactivation Google Sheet** for every reactivated client — this affects commission tracking.
- When a client is paused or archived, make sure to update their status correctly — leaving clients in the wrong status creates confusion for the whole team.