Collection company wont remove from credit report...what do I do?

Question

There was a medical bill that was paid but they turned it over to collections apparenly by mistake. I have the copy of the cleared check to prove it was paid and sent it to the collection agency, the credit bureau, and the hospital to dispute the inaccuracy. They seem to all be refusing to remove the "Unpaid Collections" from my credit profile even though I have proof it was paid.

What am I supposed to do now? Contact a lawyer?

Answer 1

~~I would actually call and talk to a live person  at the credit bureau. Once you reach them, fax a copy of the letter and the copy of the cancelled check. When you get to their representatives, they can fix your report and follow through gettingit done. Just document everyone you speak with with time and date, in case you need to take further action.~~

Answer 2

You need to dispute the item with the credit bureau. Send them a certified letter disputing that item on your report. Here is a sample letter you can download and customize. Also send a copy of the check. http://www.badcreditfixup.com/writing-cr...

Once they receive the letter they have 30 days to resolve the issue with the collection agency or delete it from your record.

Answer 3

You can get a copy of your cleared check from your bank.

Send it and a letter certified, explaining the payment to the credit bureau.

It should be removed.  If it is not removed within 30 days, contact the

FTC and file a complaint here:

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

The collector will be fined out the ying yang, and you will have your credit back!

Answer 4

You need to file a dispute with the credit reporting agencies. They will then contact the company to determine whether the debt is paid or not. If so, they can remove. Keep in mind though, if it was sent to collections and then paid, it will only be marked as a paid collection. The actual collection will stay on your credit for 7 years.  

Answer 5

Did you send certified, return receipt letters to the collection agency and hospital or are you just talking to them on the phone?  Send letters and make a papertrail.  In your letter indicate that you have proof the bill was paid to the hospital and you do not owe.  Give them 30 days.

If they don't remove the item from your credit report, contact your state attorney general office for assistance.