Collection Letter has Wrong Name on It

[salvarenga]

AFNI (Old ALLTEL bill) has a colllections item on my account stating that I owe $495.81. This is showing up on Transunion and Experian. The collection letter has my name spelled completely wrong. Can I dispute and say that it's not mine based on the name? If so, do I just send that information directly to Transunion and Experian. For example, can I send a copy of the collections letter along with a copy of my driver's license and ss card to the credit reporting agencies or do I have to start with AFNI?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Trish]

You can try disputing with the CRAs first.
If this is your first time disputing with the CRAs, then it is a good idea to send a copy of your DL (with your current address) and ss#.. then they can't give you the typical bs stall letter that they need you to prove your identity.

Before you dispute this though.... make sure to opt out and delete/update all of your personal info first. You can do this online or by phone and it usually goes a little more quickly so you can move on to your "regular" disputes.

[salvarenga]

Thanks for the quick reply!

So can I just send a print out of the notice from AFNI with the wrong name, a copy of my DL and SS card direct to the CRA with a letter stating this is not mine b/c it is not listed in the right name? Also should I send it out certified with return receipt requested?

[Trish]

You're welcome...

I wouldn't send the AFNI letter... It's just not necessary... they have all of that info.
You should just say it's not yours (don't mention name spelling or anything else)..and you have no knowledge or records of such acct.

Send out disputes to CRAs CM only.... but not RR.