How to Stop Debt Collectors on a Credit Report

Removing debt collection notices from your credit report can be a stressful trial. Debt collectors know that their power over your credit report is the most powerful weapon in their arsenal. They don't want to give that up without getting something in return. At the same time, they know that you can continue to avoid paying a debt or eventually declare bankruptcy. Educate yourself about your options to strengthen your negotiating position.

Instructions

1

Request a copy of your credit report from one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion or Equifax). Make note of the collection notice entries that you would like removed from your report. Gather all the documentation you possess related to this debt. Relevant documents include all letters from the debt collector along with any relevant bills from the original debtor.

2

Contact the collection agency by mail or telephone. Inquire about how much money you will need to pay the agency to get the debt marked as "settled" or "paid in full." Debts marked as "settled" will affect your credit rating more negatively relative to debts marked as "paid in full." You don't necessarily have to actually pay a debt in full for it to be marked down in your credit report as such, but you will need an agreement to that effect from the collection agency in writing in order to do so.

3

File a dispute with a credit bureau if a collection agency does not follow an agreement they made to change an entry on your credit report. Fill out the credit dispute form located on their website or request that one be sent to you in the mail. Include copies of written agreements from the collection agency stating their intent to remove their entry from your credit report.

4

Consider waiting seven years for the collection notice to fall off of your credit report. The notice will no longer affect your credit report after that time. That doesn't mean that collection attempts will necessarily stop. The statute of limitations on debt collection differs based on the type of the loan and the state from which it was made.

5

File a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act if a debt collection company continues to contact you regarding a debt that you have settled or paid in full. Include copies of all relevant communications with the collection agency. You may be entitled to damages and the striking of the collection notice from your credit report if the agency has violated the law in its attempts to collect on your debts.