DEAD DEBTS DON’T DIE — Unless You Dispute Them
Outdated Debts Can Haunt Your Credit Report for Years—Even When They Shouldn’t
A delinquent debt can only legally remain on your credit report for seven years from the date of first missed payment. That’s not just good practice—it’s federal law, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Yet many consumers continue to suffer from inaccurate or outdated debts that drag down their credit scores, drive up their interest rates, and limit access to housing or employment. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to take action.
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys are here to help you challenge outdated credit entries and restore your financial reputation.
Why Old Debts Still Hurt You—Even If They Should Be Gone
Outdated debt entries aren’t just unfair—they’re financially damaging. According to the FCRA, debts that are more than seven years old (from the date of first delinquency) must be removed. Yet many consumers find:
Lower Credit Scores: Old charge-offs and collections can drastically reduce credit scores, even if the debt should’ve been removed years ago.
Higher Interest Rates: A lower score means lenders see you as higher risk. That leads to more expensive loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
Denied Applications: Lenders or landlords might reject you based on negative, outdated entries that shouldn’t legally be there.
Lost Job Opportunities: Employers in finance, security, or government often review credit history. An outdated debt could cost you the job.
You deserve a credit report that’s accurate—and legal.
How to Dispute Outdated Debts on Your Credit Report
If you find debts that are older than seven years from the date of first delinquency, here’s how to protect yourself:
Step 1: Request Your Reports
Get your free annual reports from all three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look for any accounts older than seven years.
Step 2: Verify and Document
Check the date of first delinquency—not the date the account was opened or paid off.
Watch for “re-aging,” a practice where collectors illegally change dates to make old debts look new.
Note duplicate or incorrect entries, which may amplify the damage.
Step 3: File a Dispute
Dispute the outdated debt with each bureau. Your dispute should include:
Your full contact information
A clear statement about the error
Supporting documents (e.g., creditor letters, payment records, earlier reports)
Each bureau must investigate and respond within 30 days.
Step 4: Follow Up
If the debt is removed, request an updated credit report. If it remains, escalate—with legal help if needed.
When Legal Help Becomes Necessary
Sometimes a simple dispute isn’t enough. You may need an attorney if:
A credit bureau refuses to remove the outdated entry after proof
A debt collector is re-aging old debts
You’re facing denied loans, high interest rates, or employment rejections
You need to file a lawsuit under the FCRA or the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
R23 Law’s California Credit Report Lawyers are experienced in fighting unlawful credit reporting practices and will aggressively pursue your right to an accurate report.
Don’t Let Expired Debt Control Your Future
Your financial life shouldn’t be defined by a debt that should have disappeared years ago. If outdated or inaccurate credit entries are still holding you back, R23 Law can help you take back control.
📞 Toll-Free: 310-598-1588
📧 Email: info@R23Law.com
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R23 Law — Defending Californians from Debt and Data Abuse
Bad debts don’t have to define you. Let our attorneys help set the record straight.
