You have certain rights and are protected by legislation enacted by the The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA").
This will protect you in times of trouble.
FDCPA does not protect you from the original creditor such as credit card companies.
If you owe the money, you have to pay it.
Plus, there are statute of limitations on the debt owed, so it is wise to take the steps of writing a letter to begin your process to dispute the credit report entries, and do it as soon as you discover the error on your credit report.
Your letter should be sent to all three credit reporting agencies, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
Address and phone numbers can be found online, or you can expedite the process by calling each agency.
It is best to have your request in writing, so a letter is also a good backup.
Always make a copy of the letter or any other correspondence for your records.
Your letter must include several key questions and information confirmed.
To protect yourself, send it certified mail with return receipt requested.
In your letter, explain to the collection agencies they are violating your rights by listing an inaccurate or erroneous account, and to correct or delete this entry on your credit report.
Ask that if the debt is deleted that they will not allow the collection agency to reapply for collection.
You may be the victim of identity theft, but they are not aware of that fact.
Ask to be provided with the following information: How much is the debt and what is the date.
Proof of contract, meaning is the debt really yours? Proof the statute of limitations has not expired, if the debt is charged off or sold to another agency; you may have already paid in before it was sold.
The licensing authority to collect the debt proof the creditor collection agency is licensed to collect in your state.
Some collection agencies don't even have the authority to try and collect this debt from you - but that doesn't mean it will stop them.
After you have sent the letter, make a follow up phone call and get a contact name.
This will protect you in times of trouble.
FDCPA does not protect you from the original creditor such as credit card companies.
If you owe the money, you have to pay it.
Plus, there are statute of limitations on the debt owed, so it is wise to take the steps of writing a letter to begin your process to dispute the credit report entries, and do it as soon as you discover the error on your credit report.
Your letter should be sent to all three credit reporting agencies, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
Address and phone numbers can be found online, or you can expedite the process by calling each agency.
It is best to have your request in writing, so a letter is also a good backup.
Always make a copy of the letter or any other correspondence for your records.
Your letter must include several key questions and information confirmed.
To protect yourself, send it certified mail with return receipt requested.
In your letter, explain to the collection agencies they are violating your rights by listing an inaccurate or erroneous account, and to correct or delete this entry on your credit report.
Ask that if the debt is deleted that they will not allow the collection agency to reapply for collection.
You may be the victim of identity theft, but they are not aware of that fact.
Ask to be provided with the following information: How much is the debt and what is the date.
Proof of contract, meaning is the debt really yours? Proof the statute of limitations has not expired, if the debt is charged off or sold to another agency; you may have already paid in before it was sold.
The licensing authority to collect the debt proof the creditor collection agency is licensed to collect in your state.
Some collection agencies don't even have the authority to try and collect this debt from you - but that doesn't mean it will stop them.
After you have sent the letter, make a follow up phone call and get a contact name.