Many victims first find out about a case of identity theft when a credit issuer or a collection agency contacts them to collect money on an outstanding acocunt. The Fair Credit Reporting Act states that once a creditor or collection agency is notified that the debt is disputed, collection efforts must cease until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector. Giving the creditor and collection agency sufficient information to prove your are a victim of identity theft is the key to getting the matter resolved. This action plan takes a look at how to clear identity theft accounts from collection agency records.
WHERE TO START
Contact the three major credit reporting agencies (CRAs) Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to obtain a copy of your credit report to look for any and all accounts that may be reported and do not belong to you.
File an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission. If you know who the thief is also file a police report.
CONTACTING THE COLLECTORS
While trying to clear identity theft accounts from collection agency records, make sure you dispute the debt in writing as well as verbally. Keep copies of all documentation you are provided and all information sent to the collector.
Ask for the following:
- Contact information for the agency and person who will be working with you
- Contact information and account number of the referring credit issuer
- Account details – date the account was opened, date charges were incurred, amount of debt to be collected, copies of the information used to open the account, etc.
- The information needed by the creditor or collection agency to demonstrate you are a victim of identity theft so you can close/remove the account. At minimum you should provide your FTC Identity Theft Report and/or a police report.
If you are dealing with a collection agency to clear identity theft accounts, contact the fraud department of the creditor who claims you owe the debt and request copies of the application and transaction information for the account.
WHEN YOUR NAME HAS BEEN CLEARED
Request a written confirmation from the collection agency and/or the creditor that you do not owe the debt and the account has been closed and as much of your information as possible has been removed from the fraudulent account.
Ensure the credit reporting agencies will be notified by the collections agency/creditor that the debt is not yours and the fraudulent debt will be removed. Ask how long this process should take and double check with the credit reporting agencies to ensure this has been done.
If you are looking for direct assistance and a personalized plan to remediate your case with a collection agency, call an expert advisor for no-cost at 888.400.5530 or live-chat with us.
