Credco Inquiry: How to Resolve My Debt and Remove Hard Inquiries

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
4 min read
The Bottom Line

Credco inquiries appear when mortgage lenders pull your credit report, but unauthorized inquiries damage your score. You can dispute errors, respond to lawsuits, and negotiate settlements to protect your financial future. Never ignore a debt collection lawsuit or you risk a default judgment.

Answer Your Lawsuit

Seeing a Credco inquiry on your credit report can be alarming. You might be facing a lawsuit for delinquent debt. Understanding the legal process protects your rights and financial future. You have options to resolve the debt before stepping into court.

What Is Credco?

Credco is not a debt collector. The company operates as a credit reporting agency. Many mortgage lenders use CoreLogic Credco to pull merged credit reports. These reports combine data from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

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You probably saw a Credco inquiry when applying for a mortgage. The company may also appear when you refinance your home. Credco maintains an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau. Their headquarters are located in Beaverton, OR.

How the CreditIQ System Works

CoreLogic Credco offers lenders access to CreditIQ reports. These reports appear during your loan pre-qualification phase. The system merges Big Three credit bureau data with proprietary information.

CreditIQ reports include details not found on standard credit reports:

  • Property ownership history
  • Legal filings on real estate
  • Property tax payment records
  • Rental application history
  • Eviction records
  • Debt collection lawsuits
  • Bankruptcy filings
  • Child support obligations

Discovering Unauthorized Credco Inquiries

Unauthorized inquiries damage your credit score. Hard inquiries can increase your insurance premiums and interest rates. You should dispute any Credco inquiry you didn’t authorize.

Review your credit report regularly for suspicious activity. Remove inquiries that shouldn’t be there. Your credit score will thank you.

How to Dispute Errors on Credco Reports

The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accurate consumer information. Credit reporting agencies must verify the data they provide. Mistakes happen more often than you might think.

You have the right to dispute errors under FCRA. Credit bureaus must investigate your dispute within 30 days. They must correct any inaccuracies they find.

Submit your dispute in writing with supporting documentation. Keep copies of everything you send. Follow up if you don’t receive a response.

Responding to Debt Collection Lawsuits

Never ignore a lawsuit from a debt collector. Filing a formal Answer protects your legal rights. You have limited time to respond after being served.

Failing to respond gives collectors an easy win. Courts will issue a default judgment against you. Default judgments lead to wage garnishment and bank account levies.

Our partner Solo helps you respond to debt collection lawsuits. You can create a professional Answer without hiring an attorney.

Force Collectors to Prove Their Case

Your Answer makes collectors substantiate their allegations. They must provide documentation proving you owe the debt. Many collection companies lack proper evidence.

Debt collectors often purchase old debts without complete records. They may not have your original contract. Missing documentation can lead to case dismissal.

Check the Statute of Limitations

Every state limits how long collectors can sue you. The statute of limitations varies by state and debt type. Time-barred debts cannot be legally enforced.

You can raise the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense. Courts will dismiss lawsuits filed after the deadline expires. Most states allow three to six years for debt collection.

Never acknowledge ownership of time-barred debt. Making a payment can restart the clock. Consult the statute of limitations for your state.

Settling Debt With Collection Agencies

Debt settlement offers a path to resolution. You can negotiate to pay less than you owe. Collectors accept settlements to avoid lengthy court battles.

Follow these steps to settle your debt:

  1. Gather all documentation about the debt
  2. Review your budget to determine affordable payments
  3. Negotiate a settlement amount with the collector
  4. Get the agreement in writing before paying
  5. Make payment according to the agreed terms

Verify the settlement appears correctly on your credit report. Request a Notice of Dismissal if the collector sued you. Keep all settlement documents for your records.

Our partner Solo streamlines the settlement process. You can negotiate and track all communication in one place.

Critical Steps When Facing a Lawsuit

Protect yourself by taking immediate action. Your response must arrive within the deadline. Late responses may be rejected by the court.

File your Answer to the Complaint on time. Include affirmative defenses like the statute of limitations. Demand proof that you actually owe the debt.

Attend all court hearings if scheduled. Come prepared with documentation and evidence. Present your case clearly and confidently.

Verify the debt belongs to you before negotiating. Start settlement talks once ownership is confirmed. Written agreements protect both parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Credco and why is it on my credit report?

Credco is a credit reporting company used by mortgage lenders to pull merged credit reports from the three major bureaus. You'll see a Credco inquiry when applying for a mortgage or refinancing your home. The company also provides CreditIQ reports that include property ownership, evictions, and debt collection information.

How do I dispute an unauthorized Credco inquiry?

Contact the credit bureaus directly to dispute unauthorized Credco inquiries. Submit your dispute in writing with supporting documentation. The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate and remove inaccurate inquiries. Hard inquiries can lower your credit score and increase insurance premiums.

Can I be sued for a debt after the statute of limitations expires?

Collectors cannot legally sue you after the statute of limitations expires on your debt. You can raise this as an affirmative defense in your Answer to get the lawsuit dismissed. The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from three to six years depending on debt type.

What happens if I ignore a debt collection lawsuit?

Ignoring a lawsuit results in a default judgment against you. The collector can then garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts, and place liens on your property. Always file a formal Answer within the deadline to protect your legal rights and force collectors to prove their case.

How do I settle debt with a collection agency?

Review your budget to determine what you can afford to pay. Contact the collector to negotiate a settlement amount less than the full balance. Get the agreement in writing before making any payment. After paying, verify the settlement appears correctly on your credit report and request dismissal of any lawsuit.