disputing a southwest credit systems collection that isn't mine

A

Amanda wilson

Member
I just found out Southwest credit systems SWC placed a collection on my credit report for a debt supposedly from AT&T for $652 but the problem is i have never had an AT&T account in my name so i called SWC and they couldn’t provide any real proof other than a balance and a vague: this is what we have on file. i disputed it with the credit bureaus but SWC verified the debt. now i don’t know whether this is a case of mistaken identity or fraud but i’m not paying for something that isn’t mine. has anyone successfully removed a false collection from SWC?
 
You're absolutely right not to pay for something that isn’t yours. Since Southwest Credit Systems (SWC) couldn’t provide real proof, you should take a few key steps to fight this:

  1. Send a Debt Validation Letter – If you haven’t already, send SWC a written request demanding full validation of the debt. They are legally required to provide documentation proving it’s yours. If they can’t, they must remove it
  2. File an Identity Theft Report – Since you never had an AT&T account, this could be a case of fraud. You can file an identity theft report through the FTC (IdentityTheft.gov) and send that report to SWC and the credit bureaus. This strengthens your dispute
  3. Dispute Again with the Credit Bureaus – Since SWC verified the debt without proof, dispute it again, but this time include your identity theft report or a statement that this is a case of mistaken identity. The bureaus are required to investigate more thoroughly with added evidence
  4. File a Complaint – If SWC continues reporting false debt, you can file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and your state attorney general’s office. Sometimes, this added pressure leads to a removal
 
If you suspect fraud, consider filing an identity theft report at identitytheft.gov and submitting it to the credit bureaus to request a block on the account.
 
That’s super frustrating! Since SWC couldn’t provide real proof then send them a debt validation letter ASAP requesting full documentation. If they fail to verify properly you can escalate with the CFPB and your state’s attorney general.
 
Youre completely justified in refusing to pay for a debt that doesnt belong to you
send a debt validation letter demanding full proof if they can’t verify it properly escalate with a CFPB complaint and consider adding a fraud alert to your credit reports.
 
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