You also want to send a similar letter to the creditor who's currently reporting the debt.
To do this, either reframe your credit bureau letter, with copies of your documentation, to the creditor or simply send a copy of the same letter with copies of any documents included.
As with the credit bureau, send it certified with a return receipt requested.
The creditor has 30 days to investigate your claims and respond, says Hendricks.
Pro tip: Too many times consumers get angry and their letters tend to reflect that, says Sonya Smith-Valentine, an attorney and owner of the Valentine Legal Group LLC. But that's damaging, she says.
Instead, keep all your conversations and letters to everyone involved calm, measured and businesslike, she says.