Pull all three reports, find the account in question, and check four things: who owns it, the balance, the date of first delinquency and the status. Those details help you check a collector's or plaintiff's claims.
Start with all three reports
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion each keep their own file. Get free copies at AnnualCreditReport.com and compare them side by side.
Four details to write down
- Creditor or collector name: who reports the account now.
- Balance: compare with the collection letter or Complaint.
- Date of first delinquency: sets the seven-year reporting period.
- Status: current, late, charged off, in collection, sold, settled.
One debt, two entries
After a sale, the original account should show a zero balance with a note that it was sold or transferred, and the new owner shows the balance. If both show money owed, ask for a correction.
Errors worth disputing
- An account that is not yours.
- A wrong balance or a wrong first-delinquency date.
- A debt counted twice.
- A paid or settled account still shown as unpaid.
Disputes go to the credit bureau and the company that reported the item. Keep copies of everything you send.
Frequently asked questions
Does a collection entry mean I will be sued?
No, but it shows the debt is being actively collected.
Is the credit report the same as the court record?
No. Court records are separate; look up the case on the court's website.
Do I need all three reports?
Yes. Each bureau's file can differ.