I received a credit monitoring alert for a new collection account. Now what?

Please Note

• You will have to dispute inquiries, collections, etc directly with the bureau providing invalid information.
• The creditor listed may be the name of a collection company and not the original creditor.
• The creditor name(s) listed on the alert may be abbreviated. For example, ("JPMCB" refers to JPMorgan Chase Bank).

What is A collection account?

• If you fall behind on payments, the original lender or creditor may transfer your account to a collection agency or sell it to a debt buyer.

How long does a collection account remain on my credit report?

• Start of the countdown for removal: Date of 180 days delinquent with original creditor.
• Length of time information remains on credit report: A paid collection account will not disappear from your credit history just because you've paid it off. It will remain until the statute of limitations has passed, which is at least 7 years. 

What if the collections account has already been paid and the statute of limitations time frame has passed?

• The credit bureaus should automatically delete it from your credit reports. If the account is not removed after seven years, you can file a dispute with each credit bureau that lists it on your report.

What Triggers a New Collection Account Detected Alert

• A creditor has reported an unpaid balance to a debt collector

 Is there anything I have to do?

• If you have paid this balance you can contact the creditor directly for an update 
• Review your current credit report to ensure the information is correct. You can visit annualcreditreport.com for a free credit report 
• Keep your Watchlist updated to ensure Dark Web Monitoring is Active

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