How to Delete Duplicate Collections on a Credit Report

Just like our shadows, our credit reports seem to follow us wherever we go. While some of us have been able to tread water in difficult financial times, it's not uncommon to fall short and have a debt end up in collections. In some instances a company will charge off your debt to multiple agencies, which appears as multiple strikes against you on your credit report. Fortunately, there are ways to delete those duplicate collections on your credit report, paving the road to debt recovery.

Instructions

1




Government regulations entitle you to a free annual credit report.

Obtain free copies of your credit report. Your credit history is reported to three major agencies: Experian, Transunion and Equifax. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), each agency is required to provide you with a free report annually. The reports can be accessed by logging on to Annualcreditreport.com, calling 1-877-322-8228 or by mailing your request to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Identifying information such as family name, previous addresses and social security number is required.

2

Report the duplications to the credit reporting agency. Each of the three major agencies will allow you to dispute your claim online, by phone or by mail. If online, choose the dispute tab to select the duplicate collections and type in a brief description of the error. If using the mail, send in a copy of your credit report with erroneous items circled. Provide a letter that clearly -- but briefly -- indicates the problem. If by phone, tell the operator the problem and verify that he has entered the data regarding your duplicates correctly.

3

Wait 30 days after inquiry. The FTC requires that collection agencies contact the original debtor with your claim before making a decision. The agency has 30 days from the time you file the dispute to return a judgment or else the item in question can be removed.

4

Request a statement of dispute be attached to your credit report. To ensure the dispute is not forgotten and to show those evaluating your report in the interim that the report is in error, ask that a statement of dispute accompany your credit report.