A few years back, I went with a rehabilitation company to pay off old debts that were on my credit report. It has been a few years and although paid, they are still on my credit report which is affecting my credit score. I called the reporting agencies and I am getting a run around on how to get this off my credit report. These have all been paid off. I was told I need an attorney to remove all negative info that has been paid up. Is this true?

If the information on your report is accurate, regardless if it was paid or not, then no one can legally remove it except the reporting company.

In short - if its accurate, its stuck there for 7 years or so.

If it is paid in full get a letter of paid in full from the creditor or collection agency. (call them) scan and print 3 of the paid in full letter as proof. Send that letter along with a letter like this to Trans-union, Equifax, and experian. Certified Mail



I (name) have paid (creditor or collection) in full.
Regarding (for what) delinquent account.
Attached is a letter proving payment in full.

Under the FCRA YOU MUST DELETE this entry from my credit history within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

Failure to comply is a violation of my rights as a consumer.
And I may take further action against your organization for failure to comply.

Your cooperation is anticipated and expected in this matter.


Sincerely
(name)
__(sign)____________________


Alternatively if that does not work (which it should) You can mail a Certified a letter of verification to the Creditor or collection agency. Like this

(your name)
( address )

(name of creditor)
(address)

To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is in response to 1 entry made by your company to my credit report. I am disputing its validity. According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I demand an immediate validation of this debt. I further demand that your agency provide me with the following information:
· Explanation of why you believe I owe this money.
· Details of how you calculated the amount of the alleged debt.
· Proof that I agreed to pay what you say I owe.
· The identity of the original creditor from whom you say I made the purchase.
· Proof that the statute of limitations has not expired.
· Proof that you are licensed to collect this alleged debt in my state.
· Your Debt Collection Rights License number.
· Proof that you are authorized to collect this alleged debt on behalf of the original creditor.
· Complete transaction and payment history from the original creditor.
· The original amount of this alleged debt when it was assigned to your agency.
· Fees and interest charges that you have added to the original amount of the alleged debt.
· How you determined these added fees.
· A copy of my original signed loan or credit card application with the original creditor.
If your company has made false or misleading entries to my credit report, I will view it as fraud or harassment because it violates my rights under the following:
· Fair Credit Reporting Act
· Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
· Defamation of Character
After such time as you send me the requested verification, I will need at least 30 days to review it fully. I demand that all your collection efforts cease during this period. All communication with me must be conveyed in writing and delivered by certified mail.
If your office does not comply with my requests within 30 days of your receipt of this letter, I will demand that all references to this alleged debt be deleted from my credit report and that proof of those deletions be sent to me immediately.
Sincerely,
(name)
____________(sign)_________

If they do not respond to the verification letter in 30 days send proof to equifax transunion and experian (certified mail receipt) They must respond with the information or it will be deleted by the bureau's as long as long as you provide proof.

If you want a guide of sorts go here
http://www.creditinfocenter.com/rebuild/debt_validation.shtml

Hope this helps, it helped me.