Request debt validation from the collection agency in writing within 30 days of first contact
Dispute any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverified collection with each credit bureau reporting it
Check for reporting errors such as wrong balance, wrong dates, duplicate accounts, or incorrect ownership
Dispute collections that are past the reporting time limit under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement in writing before making any payment
Ask the original creditor to recall the account from collections
Request a goodwill deletion if the debt has been paid and the collector agrees
Settle the debt and then request removal in exchange for payment if the collector will agree in writing
Send disputes and requests by certified mail and keep copies of all documents
Follow up with the credit bureaus if the collection is not corrected or removed after reinvestigation
Escalate unresolved inaccurate reporting to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state attorney general
Consult a consumer law attorney if the collection is inaccurate, outdated, or reported illegally