Common situations
Find the situation that matches yours
People usually arrive here because something specific happened. A collection notice. A confusing entry. A score drop. A call from a collector. We cover the most common cases below.
Medical collections on my reportMedical debt has special rules: a $500 minimum, one-year delay, and removal when paid. Newer scoring models treat it more leniently.OpenOld accounts still showingMost negative information must be removed after seven years. If you find older items, they should not be there.OpenA debt buyer is reporting an accountDebt buyers purchase old debts at deep discounts and try to collect. Their reporting often has issues worth challenging.OpenRe-aging: dates that look wrongWhen a collector reports a debt with dates that make it look newer than it actually is, that is illegal. Here is how to spot and challenge it.OpenI paid the debt, it is still therePaying a collection or charge-off does not remove it from your report. Here is what payment actually does and does not do.OpenThe account is not mineCould be a reporting error. Could be a debt buyer using a confusing name. Could be identity theft. Different problem, different response.OpenI am being sued by a debt collectorRead this immediately if you have been served. Deadlines matter and missing them has real consequences. Then talk to a lawyer.Open
A note on what this is, and is not
These pages explain general patterns and considerations. They are not advice for your specific situation. Every case has its own facts that affect what makes sense to do.
For complex or high-stakes situations, especially anything involving a lawsuit or potential bankruptcy, consult a consumer protection attorney before taking action. How to find a consumer protection attorney.