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💵 Step-by-Step to Build Your Credit Now
Course overview
Lesson Overview

2.6 – Reviewing Collections and Charge-Offs: What to Look For: Collections and charge-offs are serious negative marks that can drag your score down for years. Reviewing them carefully ensures accuracy and fairness. A collection account means a debt was sent to a third-party agency for payment. A charge-off means the lender gave up on collecting but the debt may still be owed. Sometimes these records remain even after you’ve paid or settled the account. Check whether the balance is zero if you’ve already paid it. Make sure the same debt isn’t listed more than once under different collectors. Confirm that the date of first delinquency is correct—it determines when the account should drop off. Look for the name of the original creditor to verify that the debt is truly yours. If you don’t recognize it, request validation from the collector. Compare what’s reported to your own receipts or settlement letters. If you’ve arranged payment, ensure it shows as “paid” or “settled.” Collections older than seven years from the first missed payment should be removed. Be cautious of re-aged accounts where collectors change the date to keep it on your report longer. Understanding your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act helps protect you here. Every accurate fix improves your score’s fairness. Reviewing collections gives you a clear view of what’s still hurting your credit and what’s already resolved. Careful attention can turn a damaging section into proof of your persistence and recovery.

About this course

Credit repair is the process of correcting errors on your credit report, removing negative items, and rebuilding your credit score through smart financial habits and responsible credit use.

This course includes:
  • Daily Step-by-Step Lessons for 6 months (180 days)
  • Video & Audio Guides explaining key credit concepts in plain language
  • Real-World Scenarios and case studies to guide smart credit decisions
  • Credit Builder Card and Loan Recommendations

Our platform is HIPAA, Medicaid, Medicare, and GDPR-compliant. We protect your data with secure systems, never sell your information, and only collect what is necessary to support your care and wellness. learn more

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