Is this a Credit Reporting Agency or a Collection Agency? I received a call from Equifax with an 800 number?

Question

When the phone was answered, it said thank you for calling NCO Financial Systems Inc. Is that Equifax??? I'm confused!

I filled out a form for a free yearly report, but didn't get one. What's happening?

Answer 1

NCO is a collection agency.  Also, they are so nasty that NCO stands for "Nastiest Collection Agency".

That said, they are calling you because you owe someone something, and were referred to them.  They are using Equifax name (which is a credit reporting agency) to scare you./

Answer 2

Did you try getting your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com?  That the site mandated by the FTC to access your free annual credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.

The questions are for security purposes.  There is often a trick question.  If you didn't apply for a mortgage, the correct answer would be none or na.  People often think someone stole their ID when they see questions for credit they don't have.

Equifax is definitely NOT allowing NCO to use their name.

Answer 3

Do you have a collection account?  Who did you order the report from?  Did you give your phone number?  If the caller ID said Equifax, then my guess is your call was from Equifax.  

Answer 4

NCO is like the other answers have said a collection agency. They likely have some kind of account you didn't take care of. Though that's a guess on my behalf. I don't know where you filled out your form for a free credit report, but if you go to www.annualcreditreport.com you can get a copy for free and see what if anything is being reported on you by NCO. They may have been telling you that if you don't pay them they will report you to Equifax. It may be some old debt that is more than 7 years old. If this is the case, don't bother to send them any money. Debt that is more than 7years old can't go on your credit report. They may try to coax you with a payment plan or some small "good faith" payment. Don't do this either, it will start the statute of limitations over and then this will allow them to report it again, so be cognizant of this.  Equifax doesn't allow others much less NCO to use their name. As far as your final question goes, this is just how they verify your identity when you get your free report. If you didn't open, or refinance a mortgage in 2004 just say you never had one, or none of the companies,

Answer 5

NCO is a collection agency. They're after your $$$

Get your credit report ASAP and find out what's going on fast!