This morning I decided to check mine and hubby's credit reports and scores as we need to refinance the house in the next few months because our rate is due to adjust. Well, I was stunned to see my score had dropped 70 points!! I searched my report to see what had happened. Then I found my car loan had been reported late in April and May. I could not believe it. I called the Credit Union where we have our loan and she stated that I only had 1 late fee. I argued that I had not paid late at all. The woman on the phone could not seem to help me and the supervisor was not available. I advised i would be coming down to the branch to straighten this out (they are a small 1 branch credit union). I packed up the kids and headed down there and asked to speak to the credit supervisor, and waited, and she came down, and already had my info, and advised that they were correcting it, and it was their mistake. A fee had posted that I was not aware of, and she advised me to go home, dispute with all 3 bureaus and they would fix it. I am so happy now. I was crying when I was on the phone and the whole way there, and was so scared becasue that 70 point drop is huge. So, I am happy to say I fought and won! WOO HOO!!!

Congrats, on the victory!
I had a parking ticket that was not mine. I fought it for months. I finally got the DOT, to admit the license did not match my vehicle. I got them to send me this, I sent the info to the 3 bureaus, and just this last week It came off, YEA I win. My credit score has gone up fairly well in the last 1-2 years

I'm glad you mentioned credit reports - It's been a while since I checked mine

It seems that just a couple late payments can have a major impact on your credit score.  My only suggestion would be to make sure the dispute is recorded before your refinance. 

Great Job!

The lates can have a big effect. The higher the score the harder the hit a 500 score woudn't take as big if any as a 700 which could get a 30-50 point hit.