How to remove a charge drop-off from your credit report

A credit charge-off occurs when a creditor determines that a debt is unlikely to be collected. Typically, this happens after a prolonged period of non-payment, often six months. The creditor writes off the debt as a loss for accounting purposes, but it doesn't mean the debtor is off the hook. The debt remains valid, and the creditor may continue to pursue collection efforts or sell it to a third-party collector.

A charge-off is a severe negative mark on a credit report, significantly impacting your creditworthiness and making it harder to obtain future credit. If you believe you have an inaccurate charge-off on your credit report, speak with a Florida FCRA attorney from The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi right away. Consultations are always free of charge.

Removing a Charge-Off Can be Challenging

Removing a charge-off from your credit report in Florida involves a systematic approach guided by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This is the primary consumer protection law in Florida protecting your rights regarding credit reporting.

Review Your Credit Report

Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to one free report from each bureau annually through AnnualCreditReport.com.

Verify the Accuracy

Scrutinize the charge-off entry for inaccuracies. Ensure that all details, including the amount, date, and creditor, are correct.

Check for Reporting Violations

Confirm that the creditor has followed the proper procedures in reporting the charge-off. Any violation of FCRA guidelines may warrant removal, and our law firm can identify when there have been violations of your rights and help you take necessary action.

Dispute Inaccurate Information

You can dispute the charge-off to the appropriate credit reporting agency (CRA) that issued the report containing the charge-off. Disputing the matter online is more convenient and often takes less time than by mail or phone, and the following are sites where you can begin the process:

Clearly state the inaccuracies and provide any supporting documents. Attach any evidence you have that supports your dispute, such as payment records, letters from the creditor, or any other relevant documentation.

The CRA will forward your dispute to the creditor for investigation. The creditor must conduct a thorough review and report back to the CRA. Once the investigation is complete, the CRA will provide you with the results. If the charge-off is found to be inaccurate, it should be removed from your credit report.

If the creditor verifies the charge-off, but you still believe it is inaccurate, you can request a Method of Verification. This asks the creditor to provide evidence proving the validity of the debt.

If your dispute is not resolved satisfactorily, consult with a consumer protection attorney who handles FCRA matters in Florida. We can provide legal advice and represent you in further actions if necessary at no cost to you.

Our South Florida FCRA Law Firm Can Help

The Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi protects the rights of consumers under the FCRA. Contact us for your free case evaluation. Seeking the legal assistance you need costs nothing out of your pocket.