How to Expunge a Collections Record in Michigan

Debt collection practices are governed in the state of Michigan by state statutes known as the Michigan Collection Practices Act (MCPA) and by the federal law known as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA. The state of Michigan adds further protections to debtors over and above those mandated by the FDCPA. If you have collection accounts on your credit report, you can expunge or delete them.

Instructions

1

Get copies of your credit reports. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com for your free yearly credit reports from all three credit bureaus: Trans Union, Equifax and Experian. In the alternative, order all three reports directly from each agency.

2

Read each credit report to determine which Michigan collection agency is reporting a debt. Cross reference each collection account to determine which credit agencies are reporting the debt.

3

Dispute the collection accounts. Go to each credit bureau's website and file a dispute against the collection account (see Resources).

4

Speak directly with the collection agencies. Tell the Michigan collection agency you are disputing the account and wish to settle the account in exchange for expunging or deleting the account from your credit report. Get the agreement in writing and pay the settlement with a money order or cashier's check. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your payment for an official acknowledgment of receipt of payment and agreement to delete the collection account.

5

Follow up with each credit bureau. Mail a copy of the settlement agreement and agreement to delete the collection account to each credit bureau reporting the collection account. Phone the credit reporting agencies with 45 days to confirm deletion of the collection accounts.