How to get collection agencies off your credit reports...

These are the steps I have taken in the past to successfully get collection agencies off of my credit reports. In order for it to work, they must have committed FDCPA violations (9 times out of 10 they have lol) and/or not have shown proof of the debt (that is, if you disputed the debt).

1. If a collection agency shows up on your credit reports, send them a debt validation letter stating that you dispute the debt in its entirety and that you require proof of the debt before any payment is made. If they sent you a letter, send a letter back to them within 30 days (to make sure they wont get on your reports). Send this letter Certified mail, return receipt requested. Sample letter HERE.
2. When you receive the return receipt back, if they are one your credit reports, DISPUTE. The FDCPA says that they cannot verify or update the reports (which they would be doing if they verify) until they have provided validation to you (if you requested it). If they do, it's a violation. If they aren't on your reports, make sure you monitor your reports to make sure they do not show up. If they do... violation!!
3. Let 30 days go by to allow time for the credit report dispute period to complete. If they delete, your work is done. If they verify or show up on your reports, send the collection agency a second letter indicating that they have posted info on your credit reports which is illegal. Also say that theyhad ample time to respond so you can assume they don't have any proof. Therefore they must delete. Send this CMRRR and give them 10-15 days to respond or delete.
4. If no response to #3, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, American Collectors Association (ACA), and the state's attorney general. I usually don't do all 3 at once. I'd move to the next one if they don't respond to the previous.
5. If they don't respond to #4, send a third letter indicating that you intend to file a lawsuit against them. Detail their violations and give them 15 days to respond.
6. if no response, file suit.


I've never had to actually file a lawsuit against a collection agency, even though I've come close one time. From my experience, I didn't have to go past #4 except for a couple times. They usually responded to the BBB. I've only sent an intent to sue letter twice... both times it worked.

Good luck to all!!