Challenging a Collections Report

• 1). Purchase a credit report or use an existing report. If the information on the account is on a recent credit report, gather it from there. A recent credit report may also include other accounts or errors you wish to dispute. These reports are available from TransUnion or from the two other major credit bureaus, Equifax and Experian.
  
  
• 2). File the dispute form. File disputes via TransUnion's website, or by phone or mail. No matter the method, disputing a collections record requires your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, the company name and account number you're disputing, the reason for the dispute, and any corrections to your existing personal information. It may also require supporting information like your driver's license number.
  
  
• 3). Await the results. TransUnion contacts the creditor in question for documentation. This may take up to 45 days to complete and TransUnion sends a letter with the results of the investigation and any action taken. If the creditor cannot or does not verify the information, TransUnion removes the item from your credit report. If they provide documentation verifying the debt, it will stay on the report.
  
  
• 4). File a consumer statement. If TransUnion considers the debt valid, you have the option of filing a 100-word statement explaining your side of the situation to go alongside the damaging account.