Request a free copy of your credit reports from all three bureaus
Review the collection entry for errors, outdated information, or duplicate reporting
Dispute any inaccurate collection with the credit bureau reporting it
Dispute the collection directly with the collection agency if the debt is incorrect
Ask the collector for debt validation in writing
Negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement in writing before paying
Pay the collection if it is valid and you cannot remove it through dispute or negotiation
Request goodwill deletion if the collection has been paid
Check whether the collection is past the reporting time limit
Wait for the collection to fall off your credit report if it cannot be removed sooner
Follow up to confirm the collection has been deleted or updated correctly