What To Do if an Agency Refuses to Remove an Item

If an agency refuses to remove an item that you think should not be on your report any longer, then you have several options:

1. You can always go back to the original creditor and see whether it will delete the item. But, unless you have paid the debt in full, removal using this method is unlikely.

2. You can contact the proper authorities. File a complaint with your state's Department of Consumer Affairs or Attorney General or with the Federal Trade Commission. This option requires time and patience in order to get the item(s) removed and your credit cleared.

3. Your final, and probably best, choice is to sue in small claims court. The FCRA permits lawsuits against both the original creditor and the credit agency for reporting incorrect information. If you win, the FCRA allows you to receive money damages for your hassles.