credit report agencies review
credit report agencies review
how should i go about resolving items on credit report when this happens?
i was reviewing my credit report and there was a collection agency that listed status as open with an amount owed. i thought id paid it but wasnt sure. i called the number given on report and was told payment had been recieved and i needed to dispute this item. I began writing a dispute letter and realized i didnt have a reference # or account number to give to credit reporting agencies for an investigation. I called to get some kind of #, and was told by a different individual that the account was not paid; just closed when transfered to different collector. DO i dispute this item even though i dont have bank statements or an account #? Why am i being told 2 different things?
I have used several banks in the past, in different states, and cannot find proof of payment. I think it was paid; and the first call confirmed this. I dont remember being contacted by a different collection agency for this account.
Dispute the item with the credit bureau. You don’t need account numbers. Just list the item as shown on your credit report and indicate it is not yours.
The credit bureau will contact the collection agency for verification. If the collection agency doesn’t respond in 30 days, the item gets removed.
If they do verify the item, send the collection agency a certified, return receipt letter requesting validation to include copies of contracts or other documentation that proves the debt is yours. Give them 30 days.
If they fail to respond, send another dispute to the credit bureau with a copy of your validation request, indicating that the creditor failed to validate. The item will get removed.
Chances are the debt was sold to another collection agency. Maybe that’s the one you paid. Did you keep any records of your payment?
