Dispute a Collection Letter: Your Definitive Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Credit Score

Receiving a collection letter can be a daunting experience. It often signals a debt that has gone unpaid, potentially impacting your credit score and creating significant financial stress. However, it’s crucial to understand that receiving such a letter doesn’t mean you’re without recourse. In fact, consumer protection laws grant you powerful rights, including the ability to challenge the validity or accuracy of a debt. This process of formally questioning a collection is known as disputing the debt.

Knowing how to dispute a collection letter effectively is paramount for safeguarding your financial well-being and protecting your credit report. Errors in debt collection are surprisingly common, from mistaken identities and incorrect amounts to debts that are too old to collect. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from understanding your fundamental rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to crafting a compelling dispute letter to collection agency. We’ll explore various types of dispute letters, provide actionable tips for sending them, and outline what to expect next, empowering you to navigate the complexities of debt collection with confidence and clarity.

Understanding Debt Collection: What is a Collection Letter?

What is a Collection Letter? Defining the Communication

At its core, what is a collection letter? It is a formal written communication sent by a debt collector or, less commonly, an original creditor, to a consumer regarding an outstanding and overdue debt. The purpose of this letter is to inform the consumer about the debt, demand payment, and often outline potential consequences of non-payment. This is typically the first written notice you receive after a debt has been transferred to a collection agency or after an original creditor has exhausted its internal collection efforts.

A collection letter is a key component in the debt collection process. It serves as a formal record of the debt collector’s attempt to collect, and it also triggers certain consumer rights, most notably the right to dispute the debt. Understanding the nature of this communication is the first step in knowing how to dispute collection letter effectively.

Who Sends Collection Letters? Debt Collectors vs. Original Creditors

It’s important to understand who sends collection letters. Primarily, these letters come from debt collectors – third-party agencies that purchase delinquent debts from original creditors or collect on their behalf. These agencies are strictly regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Less frequently, you might receive a collection letter directly from the original creditor (the company you originally owed money to), especially if they have an internal collections department. However, the FDCPA generally applies more broadly to third-party collectors.

The identity of the sender is crucial because your rights and the specific laws governing their actions can vary. Knowing whether you’re dealing with an original creditor or a third-party collection agency informs your strategy for how to write a dispute letter to a debt collector or a letter to collection agency.

The Impact of a Collection on Your Credit Report: A Significant Hit

The arrival of a collection letter often means that the debt has already been reported to the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). The impact of a collection on your credit report is significant and usually negative. A collection account can lower your credit score by a substantial margin, making it harder to obtain new credit, secure favorable interest rates, or even rent an apartment.

This negative mark can remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the date of the original delinquency, even if you eventually pay the debt. This long-lasting impact underscores the urgency of understanding how to dispute a collection on your credit report and taking swift action to mitigate the damage. A collection removal letter is often the ultimate goal.

Your Rights Under the FDCPA: The Foundation for Disputing Debt

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Your Consumer Shield

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a landmark federal law in the United States that protects consumers from abusive, unfair, or deceptive debt collection practices. It applies primarily to third-party debt collectors, though some states have laws that extend similar protections to original creditors. The FDCPA is your primary consumer shield when you receive a debt collection letter.

This act outlines what debt collectors can and cannot do, including restrictions on when and how they can contact you, what they can say, and how they must handle disputes. Understanding your rights under the FDCPA is the fundamental starting point for anyone looking to dispute a debt collection letter or send a letter of dispute to collection agency.

Your Right to Debt Validation: The 30-Day Window

One of the most powerful rights granted by the FDCPA is your right to debt validation. Within five days of their initial communication (often the first collection letter), a debt collector must send you a “validation notice.” This notice must inform you of your right to dispute the debt or request verification within 30 days of receiving the notice. This 30-day window is critical.

If you send a debt validation letter template or a debt dispute letter within this 30-day period, the collector must cease all collection activities until they provide proof that the debt is legitimate and that they are authorized to collect it. Missing this window means they can continue collection efforts, though you still retain the right to dispute later, just without the immediate cease-and-desist protection. This makes timely action crucial for any response to debt collection letter.

Prohibited Debt Collector Practices: What They Cannot Do

The FDCPA strictly prohibits certain debt collector practices. Knowing these can help you identify violations and strengthen your position when you dispute a collection letter:

• Harassment: Repeated phone calls, obscene language, threats of violence.
• False Statements: Misrepresenting the amount owed, claiming to be an attorney when they are not, threatening arrest or seizure of property (unless legally allowed and intended).
• Unfair Practices: Collecting more than you owe, depositing a post-dated check early, contacting you directly if you have an attorney.
• Contacting Third Parties: Generally, they cannot discuss your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, or your attorney.
• Calling at Inconvenient Times: Before 8 AM or after 9 PM in your time zone, or at work if you’ve told them not to.

If a debt collector violates these rules, you may have grounds for legal action, further emphasizing the importance of documenting all communications.

Statute of Limitations on Debt: Understanding Time Limits

The statute of limitations on debt is a crucial legal concept that defines the maximum period during which a creditor or debt collector can legally sue you to collect a debt. This period varies by state and by type of debt (e.g., written contracts, oral contracts, promissory notes). Once the statute of limitations expires, the debt is considered “time-barred,” meaning a collector cannot win a lawsuit against you for that debt.

However, the debt itself doesn’t disappear, and collectors can still attempt to collect it (though they cannot sue). Sending a debt dispute letter, particularly a debt validation letter, is essential to confirm the age of the debt. Be cautious not to “re-age” a time-barred debt by making a payment or acknowledging the debt, as this can restart the clock. Understanding this is a key part of choosing the best reason to dispute a collection account.

Why Dispute a Collection Letter? Reasons to Challenge a Debt

The Importance of Disputing: Protecting Your Rights and Credit

Receiving a debt collection letter is a call to action, and the importance of disputing cannot be overstated. Disputing a debt is your legal right and a critical step in protecting your financial well-being. It forces the debt collector to provide proof that you actually owe the debt and that they have the legal right to collect it. Without a dispute, you implicitly acknowledge the debt, making it harder to challenge later.

Disputing can prevent inaccurate information from appearing on your credit report, remove existing inaccurate entries, or even lead to the debt being dropped if the collector cannot validate it. It’s a proactive measure to safeguard your credit score and avoid paying debts you don’t legitimately owe. This is the best way to dispute a collection.

Common Reasons to Dispute a Collection: Identifying Inaccuracies

There are several common reasons to dispute a collection, often stemming from inaccuracies or legal technicalities:

• Not Your Debt: Identity theft, similar names, or clerical errors can lead to a debt being wrongly assigned to you. This is often the best reason to dispute collections on credit report.
• Amount is Incorrect: The balance stated in the collection letter is different from what you believe you owe, or includes incorrect fees/interest.
• Already Paid: You have proof that the debt was already paid in full or settled.
• Discharged in Bankruptcy: The debt was included in a bankruptcy filing and should no longer be collectible.
• Too Old (Time-Barred): The statute of limitations for collecting the debt through legal action has expired in your state.
• No Original Creditor Information: The collection letter doesn’t clearly state who the original creditor was.
• Debt Collector Not Authorized: The collector cannot prove they have the legal right to collect the debt.
• Disputed with Original Creditor: You previously disputed the debt with the original creditor, and the issue was never resolved.

Identifying these inaccuracies is key to crafting a strong collections dispute letter.

Impact on Your Credit Score: Preventing and Removing Negative Marks

The direct impact on your credit score is a primary motivation for disputing a collection. A collection account can severely damage your credit score, making it difficult to obtain loans, credit cards, or even housing. By successfully disputing an inaccurate collection, you can potentially prevent it from appearing on your credit report or, if it’s already there, work towards its removal. This is why a sample letter to remove collection from credit report is highly sought after.

Even if the debt is valid, disputing it within the 30-day window forces the collector to validate, which can sometimes lead to them dropping the debt if they lack proper documentation. This proactive step is crucial for maintaining a healthy credit profile and understanding how to dispute a collection on your credit report effectively.

Types of Dispute Letters: Tailoring Your Communication

The Debt Validation Letter: Your First Line of Defense

The debt validation letter is arguably the most important type of dispute letter for consumers, especially within the initial 30-day window of receiving a collection letter. It is a formal request for the debt collector to provide specific proof that you owe the debt and that they are legally authorized to collect it. Sending a debt validation letter template forces the collector to cease all collection activities until they provide the requested validation.

This letter should clearly state that you are disputing the debt and demand verification. It’s a powerful tool because if the collector cannot provide sufficient validation, they must stop trying to collect the debt and cannot report it to credit bureaus. This is the fundamental step in how to write dispute letter to debt collector.

What to Include in a Debt Validation Letter

When crafting a debt validation letter, ensure it includes:

• Your full name and contact information.
• The debt collector’s name and address.
• The account number they provided (if any).
• A clear statement that you are disputing the debt and requesting validation.
• A request for specific information, such as:
  • The amount of the debt.
  • The name of the original creditor.
  • Proof that you owe the debt (e.g., original contract, account statements).
  • Proof that the debt collector is authorized to collect the debt.
• A statement that collection activities must cease until validation is provided.
• Your signature and the date.

A good sample debt dispute letter will incorporate all these elements, ensuring your request is clear and legally sound.

Sample Debt Validation Letter Template

Here is a basic sample debt validation letter template. Remember to replace bracketed information with your specific details:

            [Your Name]
            [Your Address]
            [Your City, State, Zip Code]
            [Your Phone Number]
            [Your Email Address]

            [Date]

            [Debt Collector Name]
            [Debt Collector Address]
            [Debt Collector City, State, Zip Code]

            Subject: Dispute and Request for Debt Validation - Account Number [Account Number provided by collector]

            Dear [Debt Collector Name],

            I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of their letter], regarding an alleged debt with account number [Account Number provided by collector].

            Please be advised that I dispute this debt. I am requesting that you provide validation of this debt, as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

            Please provide the following information and documentation:
            1. The amount of the debt, including a detailed breakdown of the principal, interest, fees, and any other charges.
            2. The name of the original creditor.
            3. A copy of the original contract or other document bearing my signature that establishes my liability for the debt.
            4. Proof that you are the legal owner of this debt or are otherwise authorized to collect on behalf of the original creditor.
            5. A complete payment history of the account from its inception.

            Until this debt is validated, you must cease all collection activities, including reporting this account to any credit reporting agencies.

            I look forward to your prompt response.

            Sincerely,

            [Your Signature]

            [Your Typed Name]
        

This template provides a solid foundation for how to write a debt collection dispute letter and protect your rights.

The Collections Dispute Letter: Challenging Inaccuracies on Your Credit Report

A collections dispute letter, also known as a dispute letter for collections or a credit dispute letter example, is used to challenge an inaccurate collection account that has appeared on your credit report. While a debt validation letter is sent to the collector, a credit dispute letter is often sent to both the collection agency and the credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). This is the letter you write when you want to dispute a collection on your credit report.

The goal is to have the inaccurate information corrected or removed from your credit file. This process is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which mandates that credit bureaus investigate disputes and remove inaccurate or unverified information. A strong collections dispute letter template is invaluable here.

What to Include in a Collections Dispute Letter

When writing a collections dispute letter, include:

• Your full name, address, and contact information.
• The collection agency’s name and address.
• The account number provided by the collection agency.
• A clear statement that you are disputing the collection account on your credit report.
• The specific reason for the dispute (e.g., “This is not my account,” “The amount is incorrect,” “I never opened this account”). This is the best reason to dispute credit report entries.
• A request for the collection agency to investigate and, if unable to verify, remove the account from your credit report.
• Any supporting documentation (e.g., proof of payment, identity theft report).
• Your signature and date.

A well-structured sample credit dispute letter will clearly articulate your reasons and requested action, making it easier for the agencies to process your dispute.

Sample Collections Dispute Letter Template

Here is a sample collections dispute letter template. Remember to adapt it to your specific reason for dispute:

            [Your Name]
            [Your Address]
            [Your City, State, Zip Code]
            [Your Phone Number]
            [Your Email Address]

            [Date]

            [Collection Agency Name]
            [Collection Agency Address]
            [Collection Agency City, State, Zip Code]

            Subject: Dispute of Collection Account - Account Number [Collection Account Number]

            Dear [Collection Agency Name],

            I am writing to dispute the collection account that you are reporting on my credit report. The account number you are reporting is [Collection Account Number].

            I am disputing this account for the following reason(s):
            [Choose ONE or MORE of the following, and provide details]:
            - This is not my account. (Provide any details if you suspect identity theft, e.g., "I believe this is a result of identity theft, and I have filed a police report [Report Number] on [Date].")
            - The amount is incorrect. (State what you believe the correct amount is, or why it's incorrect.)
            - I already paid this debt. (Attach proof of payment, e.g., "Please see attached copy of cancelled check/payment confirmation dated [Date] for [Amount].")
            - The original creditor is incorrect. (State what you believe the correct original creditor is.)
            - The date of last activity is incorrect. (State what you believe the correct date is.)
            - This debt is too old to be reported. (State the original delinquency date if known.)
            - I have no knowledge of this debt.

            Please investigate this matter thoroughly. If you are unable to verify the accuracy and completeness of this account, I request that you promptly remove it from my credit report with all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).

            Thank you for your attention to this matter.

            Sincerely,

            [Your Signature]

            [Your Typed Name]
        

This template serves as a guide for how to write a collections dispute letter effectively.

Pay-for-Delete Letter: A Risky but Possible Strategy

A pay-for-delete letter is a strategy where you offer to pay a collection agency a certain amount (often less than the full balance) in exchange for them agreeing to remove the collection account from your credit report. This is a risky strategy because collection agencies are generally not obligated to remove accurate information, and many will refuse. Furthermore, any agreement should be in writing before you make a payment. This is a form of letter to creditors to remove debt.

While not guaranteed, a pay-for-delete letter can be an option if you’ve validated the debt, have funds available, and are struggling to get the account removed otherwise. Always get the agreement in writing before sending any money. This is a specific type of collection removal letter.

Sample Pay-for-Delete Letter Template

Here is a sample pay-for-delete letter template. Use with caution and always get written confirmation before payment:

            [Your Name]
            [Your Address]
            [Your City, State, Zip Code]
            [Your Phone Number]
            [Your Email Address]

            [Date]

            [Collection Agency Name]
            [Collection Agency Address]
            [Collection Agency City, State, Zip Code]

            Subject: Offer of Settlement and Deletion - Account Number [Collection Account Number]

            Dear [Collection Agency Name],

            This letter is in reference to account number [Collection Account Number] in the amount of [Original Debt Amount], which you are attempting to collect.

            While I do not admit any liability for this debt, and for the purpose of settlement only, I am offering to pay [Proposed Settlement Amount] as full and final settlement of this alleged debt. This offer is made on the express condition that, upon receipt of the agreed-upon payment, you will agree to:

            1. Cease all collection activities related to this account.
            2. Report this account as "Paid in Full" with a $0 balance to all three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).
            3. **Remove this collection account entirely from my credit reports with all three major credit reporting agencies.**

            This offer is valid for 15 days from the date of this letter. If you agree to these terms, please sign and return a copy of this letter to me. Upon receipt of the signed agreement, I will send a certified check or money order for the agreed-upon amount within [Number] business days.

            This offer is for settlement purposes only and is not an acknowledgment of debt or liability.

            Sincerely,

            [Your Signature]

            [Your Typed Name]
        

This is an example of a letter to remove collections from credit report via settlement.

Cease and Desist Letter: Stopping Communication

A cease and desist letter is not a dispute letter, but it’s a powerful tool under the FDCPA to stop a debt collector from contacting you. Once they receive this letter, collectors generally cannot contact you further, except to notify you that they will no longer contact you or that they intend to take specific legal action. This is a useful option if you are being harassed or simply want to end communication. This is a type of letter to debt collector.

However, sending a cease and desist letter does not make the debt disappear, nor does it remove it from your credit report. It simply stops the communication. You still owe the debt, and the collector can still pursue legal action or report it to credit bureaus. It’s a tool for managing communication, not debt resolution.

How to Write and Send Your Dispute Letter: Best Practices

How to Write a Dispute Letter to a Debt Collector: Key Elements

When learning how to write a dispute letter to a debt collector, remember these key elements:

• Be Concise and Clear: State your purpose directly.
• Include Account Information: Help them identify the debt.
• State Your Dispute Reason: Be specific about why you’re disputing.
• Request Specific Action: Validation, removal, correction.
• Maintain a Professional Tone: Avoid emotional language.
• Keep it Brief: Get to the point without unnecessary details.
• Date and Sign: For formal record-keeping.

A well-crafted debt collection dispute letter is your most effective tool. Whether it’s a sample dispute letter to collection agency or a template dispute letter to collection agency, adherence to these elements is crucial.

Sending Your Dispute Letter: Certified Mail and Records

The method of sending your debt dispute letter is as important as its content. Always send dispute letters via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides irrefutable proof that the letter was sent and received by the collection agency, establishing a legal record of your communication. The green return receipt card will be mailed back to you, confirming delivery.

Additionally, always keep a copy of the letter for your records, along with the certified mail receipt and the green return receipt card. This documentation is invaluable if you need to escalate the issue, if the collection agency violates your rights, or if you need to prove your dispute to a credit bureau. Maintaining thorough records is a non-negotiable best practice for any letter to collection agency.

What to Say When Disputing a Collection: Focus on Facts

When considering what to say when disputing a collection, the key is to focus on facts and legal rights, not emotions. Avoid admitting liability, making promises to pay, or providing unnecessary personal details. Stick to the core message: “I dispute this debt and request validation/investigation.” Refer to specific account numbers and dates. If disputing on credit report, cite the specific inaccuracy.

Maintain a professional, firm, and polite tone. Remember, you are exercising your legal rights, and the letter is a formal document. This approach makes your debt collector dispute letter more effective and less likely to be dismissed.

The 15 USC 1692c Letter: Understanding Legal References

You might see references to a “15 USC 1692c letter pdf” or similar legal citations. 15 U.S.C. § 1692c is a section of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) that specifically deals with communication in connection with debt collection. It outlines when and where a debt collector can contact you, and your right to stop communication. While you don’t need to cite specific legal codes in your dispute letter, understanding these references reinforces your rights.

A debt validation letter or a cease and desist letter implicitly leverages these FDCPA provisions. Knowing the law empowers you to write a more effective letter to debt collection agency and understand the collector’s obligations.

What Happens After You Dispute a Collection Letter?

Debt Collector’s Response: Validation or Cessation

After you send a debt validation letter within the 30-day window, the debt collector has two primary responses:

• Provide Validation: They must send you documentation proving the debt is yours and they have the right to collect it. This might include original contracts, account statements, or a chain of title for the debt.
• Cease Collection: If they cannot or do not provide sufficient validation, they must cease all collection activities related to that debt. This means they cannot contact you further about it and cannot report it to credit bureaus.

If they continue collection efforts without validating, they are violating the FDCPA. Understanding the response to debt collection letter is crucial for your next steps.

Impact on Credit Report During Dispute: Temporary Status

When you dispute a collection on your credit report (by sending a letter to the credit bureaus), the account will typically be marked as “disputed” on your credit report during the investigation period. This temporary status indicates that the information is being reviewed. The credit bureaus have 30-45 days to investigate your dispute. If the collection agency cannot verify the debt to the credit bureau, or if the information is found to be inaccurate, the entry should be removed.

If the debt is verified, the “disputed” status will be removed, and the collection will remain. However, the act of disputing itself can sometimes prompt collectors to remove older, less documented debts. This is a key aspect of how to dispute a collection on your credit report effectively.

Next Steps After Validation: Pay, Negotiate, or Continue to Dispute

Once the debt collector provides validation, you have several next steps after validation:

• Pay the Debt: If the debt is valid and you can afford it, paying it off is an option. Consider negotiating a settlement for less than the full amount.
• Negotiate a Settlement: Offer to pay a portion of the debt in exchange for a “paid in full” status or, ideally, a “pay-for-delete” agreement (get it in writing!).
• Continue to Dispute: If you believe the validation is insufficient, or if the debt is time-barred, you can continue to dispute the debt or consult with a consumer attorney.

Your decision will depend on your financial situation, the validity of the debt, and your goals for your credit report. This is where a letter to creditors to remove debt might be considered.

When to Consult a Consumer Attorney: Legal Recourse

You should consult a consumer attorney if:

• A debt collector violates your FDCPA rights (e.g., harassment, false statements, contacting you after a cease and desist letter).
• You believe you are being sued for a time-barred debt.
• You have tried to dispute a collection letter but the collector refuses to validate or remove inaccurate information.
• The debt is very large, and you need expert negotiation or legal guidance.
• You suspect identity theft and need help clearing your name.

Many consumer attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Legal recourse can be a powerful option when dealing with persistent or abusive debt collectors.

Advanced Strategies for Disputing Collections and Credit Repair

Disputing Medical Debt Collection: Specific Considerations

Disputing medical debt collection has specific considerations. Medical debts are often complex due to insurance billing, multiple providers, and varying amounts. Before disputing, obtain an itemized bill from the provider and your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer to verify charges. The No Surprises Act also provides some protections against unexpected medical bills.

A medical debt collection dispute letter should specifically request itemized bills and proof of insurance processing. Sometimes, errors in medical billing are resolved by contacting the original provider or insurer directly, rather than just the collector. This is a nuanced area of debt dispute letter usage.

Dealing with Old or Time-Barred Debt: Knowing Your Rights

When dealing with old or time-barred debt, knowing your rights is crucial. As discussed, the statute of limitations prevents a collector from suing you, but they can still try to collect. If you receive a collection letter for a time-barred debt, you can send a debt validation letter. If they validate, and it’s time-barred, you can inform them you will not pay because the statute of limitations has expired. Be careful not to restart the clock by making a payment or even acknowledging the debt as yours.

A failure to validate debt sample letter can be used if they don’t provide sufficient proof for a time-barred debt. This strategy is key for avoiding payment on debts that are legally uncollectible through court action.

Goodwill Deletion Letters: A Plea for Leniency

A goodwill deletion letter is a plea to an original creditor or, less commonly, a collection agency, to remove a negative mark from your credit report as an act of goodwill. This is typically used for a single, isolated late payment or a small collection that you have already paid. You explain the circumstances that led to the late payment (e.g., medical emergency, job loss) and politely request that they remove the negative entry as a gesture of goodwill, emphasizing your otherwise good payment history. This is a type of letter to creditors to remove debt.

While there’s no guarantee of success, a well-written goodwill letter can sometimes lead to a positive outcome, especially if you have a strong history with the creditor. It’s a less formal approach than a dispute, relying on persuasion rather than legal rights.

Negotiating a Settlement: Pay Less Than You Owe

If a debt is valid and you cannot pay the full amount, negotiating a settlement can be a viable strategy. Debt collectors often buy debts for pennies on the dollar, so they may be willing to accept a lump sum payment for significantly less than the full amount owed (e.g., 40-60% of the original debt). Always get any settlement agreement in writing before making a payment, clearly stating that the payment is for “full and final settlement” and that the account will be reported as “paid in full” or “settled.”

This strategy allows you to resolve the debt, stop collection calls, and improve your credit report (a “settled” account is better than an “unpaid” one, though still not as good as “paid in full” or removed). This is a common approach when you dispute debt letter and then decide to settle.

Credit Repair Services: When to Seek Professional Help

While this guide empowers you to handle many disputes yourself, sometimes credit repair services can be beneficial. Consider professional help if:

• You have numerous inaccurate negative items on your credit report.
• You lack the time or expertise to manage disputes yourself.
• You’ve tried disputing without success.
• You need help navigating complex legal issues or dealing with particularly aggressive collectors.

Choose reputable credit repair companies that clearly explain their services and fees. Be wary of those promising guaranteed results or asking for upfront payment before services are rendered, as this can be a red flag. They can help with various letters to remove collections from credit report.

Monitoring Your Credit Report: Post-Dispute Vigilance

After you dispute a collection letter and take action, monitoring your credit report is crucial. Regularly check your credit reports from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to ensure that the collection account is either removed, updated, or marked as “disputed” as expected. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each bureau annually via AnnualCreditReport.com.

Many credit card companies and financial apps also offer free credit monitoring services that can alert you to changes. This vigilance ensures that your efforts to dispute collections have the desired effect and that no new inaccurate information appears. It’s the final step in protecting your credit score.