How to Deal With Wrong Charges From a Collections Agency

When a creditor does not receive payment for an owed amount, they may give the account to a collection agency to collect the debt. The collection agency will contact the consumer in question by phone and mail in an attempt to collect the debt. While this process is fairly accurate, the collection agency can make a mistake and contact a person who does not owe a debt, or give the wrong information about the debt owed. If this happens to you, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation.

Instructions

1

Write down as much information as possible about the conversation you have with the collection agency. This includes the name of the collection agency, the name of the representative you spoke with, contact information for the agency and any information you receive about the debt. Ask the representative to send you information about your debt in writing by mail.

2

Write a letter to the collection agency disputing the debt. Include as much information as possible, including any copies of previous bills showing the correct information. If the debt in question is not yours, explain this in the letter. Send the dispute letter to the collection agency via certified mail with a return receipt.

3

Order a copy of your credit report online from the three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Print a copy of all three reports.

4

Review the report to see if the collection agency reported the debt on your report.

5

If the disputed debt appears on your credit report, send a dispute letter to the credit bureau requesting investigation, correction and/or removal the information. Circle the debt in question on the credit report, make a copy and attach it to the back of the dispute letter. Mail the letter certified mail to the credit bureau. In 30 days, order a new copy of your credit report and ensure the information is correct.

6

If the disputed item does not appear on your credit report, wait 30 days and order a second copy of your reports to verify that the information was not reported after you ordered the first copy.