Delinquency Details on Credit Report Altered to Bypass Expiration?

July 12, 2004 10:10 PM

Can collections agencies reset the clock? (more inside)

A "friend" has an old delinquency on the credit report. The account was opened in the late 80s or early 90s and has been inactive for many years, but the credit report lists a different creditor's name and the "open date" as just last year. It appears the changed name and date are related to turning the account over to a different agency. Obviously this item will be challenged to the credit bureau, but judging by this earlier thread we have some former members of the collections profession in the house. Does anyone know whether there are legit ways for them to do such end-runs around the 7 year expiration on old negatives? Can they really keep ancient info visible and "fresh" indefinitely??

posted by nakedcodemonkey to work & money (2 comments total)

According to this article it's illegal and would be grounds for suing the agency if not corrected.
posted by shoos at 2:20 AM on July 13, 2004

Thanks, shoos. Very informative link. Good to know this isn't accepted practice.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 2:50 AM on July 13, 2004