Debt drop off after 7 yrs.--- back on credit report

by joyce
(roanoke . va.)

Collection agent listed on credit report, and put date they brought account and not list the date that the original account default, and now it will not come off for 5 more yrs.

Reply from DebtCollectionAnswers.com:

Joyce,

Collection accounts may be reported for seven years and 180 days from the date you first fell behind with the original creditor, regardless of whether they have been paid. The collector is not supposed to manipulate the reporting date to keep that information on your credit reports longer than that.

You may have a case for credit damage as well as a case under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, under which it is illegal for a collection agency to misrepresent the character, nature or status of the debt.

We would recommend you contact a local consumer law attorney with experience in credit reporting/ debt collection cases. Find out how to get FREE or low cost legal advice about debt collection from a consumer law attorney here.