Can I remove negative items from my FICO report?

No, you cannot directly remove negative items from your FICO report. FICO, the company that calculates credit scores, does not have the authority to alter or remove any information from your credit report. The credit reporting agencies, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, are responsible for the content on your credit report. They are required by law to provide accurate information. However, if you believe there is an error on your report, you can dispute it with the relevant credit bureau. They will investigate the matter and make corrections if necessary. It's important to note that legitimate negative information, such as late payments or bankruptcy, can remain on your report for a certain period of time, typically up to seven years.