Equifax verified an erroneous collection item! (pay, dispute, credit report, account)

[atlcharm]

My credit has been pretty good up until this random item ended up on my report It is a collection account for $33. I don't have any non-pays on my report. Why would i let my credit go to s*** over $33? The collection agency claims it is for some equipment that I did not return for Charter communications two years ago. I don't have any Charter equipment. Why the hell would I keep it? Secondly I never received any correspondence from them. I disputed the accuracy with equifax and it came back as verified.

First of all, how is it legal for a collection account to show up on your report when the original creditor never showed up on the report? Is that legal?

Secondly, do I have a right to ask Equifax to show me evidence of how they proved I owe this? Sometimes I feel so helpless as a consumer. It's all about the creditors. The credit agencies definitely have their best interests at heart.

I just need to know what my next steps are. Should I go to the BBB, Attorney General etc and should I file the complaint against equifax and the collection agency?

also the collection agency said they'd accept the $33 but would not take of my credit report they would only update the collection account as paid. Well there would still be a collection account on my credit report. Why would i pay something I don't owe and you leave it on my credit report?

I'm wondering if I should send the collection agency a letter and request that they delete if I pay but I'd want that in writing first.

[mommytrish]

If it truly is not yours, don't pay it!!! Dispute it with the credit bureaus. Send a letter to the collection agency demanding that they send you legal validation of the debt within 30 days. If they can't, they must delete it by law. And file a police report if it is identity theft. Doing these things will protect your rights and help you to get the item off of your reports.

[atlcharm]

Hi Mommytrish,

Well I did have an account with Charter communications 3 years ago. What I'm disputing is the fact that I owe them anything. All my bills were paid on time and in full. I keep hearing people mention the debt validation letter so I will do that.

[suzie02]

If you disputed online then nothing really happened. You have to dispute it in writing. Also call the original company and ask them about the details of the debt. Ask them to give you dates. If and when they sent you a bill and to what address, etc...

[Donn2390]

If you did have an account with Charter, when you moved or cancelled the acount, did you turn in the equipment and get a receipt that it was returned..?
If you just moved and left the equipment in the house, you owe the debt.
Go talk to the Charter office if you did return it.
I cancelled my Charter a year ago. I took all equipment to the office, and got a receipt. that is the only corret way to cancel...