How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter (Free Template Inside)
Re-aging is illegal under the FCRA and damages your credit score unfairly. You can fight back by requesting documentation, gathering proof, and filing formal disputes. Take action immediately if you notice date discrepancies on your credit report.
Fight Debt CollectorsRe-aging is a serious violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Collectors illegally change the date of first delinquency to extend collection periods. This practice destroys your credit score and violates federal law.
You have the power to fight back. Understanding re-aging helps you protect your credit and stop illegal collection practices.
Facing a Lawsuit Over Re-Aged Debt?
Collectors who re-age debts often file illegal lawsuits hoping you won't respond. You must answer the court summons within 14-30 days or face default judgment.
Respond to Your LawsuitWhat Is Re-Aging and Why Is It Illegal?
Re-aging occurs when a creditor or collector changes your original delinquency date. The date of first delinquency (DOFD) cannot change, no matter who owns the debt.
FCRA Section 623(5)(A) makes re-aging explicitly illegal. The law requires debt collectors to report the original delinquency date. Changing this date violates your consumer rights.
Neither original creditors nor debt collectors can re-age your account. The DOFD stays the same through every sale and transfer.
How Re-Aging Destroys Your Credit Score
The DOFD determines how long negative items remain on your credit report. Negative accounts can stay for seven years from the original delinquency date.
Re-aging makes old debts appear recent. Your credit score drops as if the debt just happened. Older negative items have less impact than recent ones.
A damaged credit score affects every area of your life. You face higher interest rates on loans and credit cards. Landlords may reject your rental applications. Some employers check credit reports before hiring.
Signs Your Debt Has Been Re-Aged
Watch for these red flags on your credit report:
- The DOFD differs from your original creditor’s records
- A collection account shows a more recent date than expected
- The same debt appears multiple times with different dates
- Negative items remain on your report past seven years
Compare collection agency dates against your original account statements. Any discrepancy signals potential re-aging.
How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter
Fighting re-aging requires documentation and persistence. Follow these steps to challenge illegal re-aging practices.
Step 1: Request Your Consumer Disclosure File
Start by requesting documentation from the credit bureau. You need your complete consumer disclosure file before disputing re-aging.
Send a letter requesting:
- Account name and number
- Date of first delinquency
- FCRA compliance date
- Name of the agency who reported the DOFD
Credit bureaus charge a $12 processing fee for this request. Keep copies of everything you send.
Step 2: Gather Proof of Re-Aging
Compare the collection account DOFD with your original creditor’s records. Document any differences between the two dates.
Pull your credit reports from all three major bureaus. Check each report for inconsistencies in dates. Screenshot or print pages showing the discrepancy.
Old bank statements and payment records provide additional proof. Gather any documentation showing the true delinquency date.
Step 3: Write Your Re-Aging Dispute Letter
Your dispute letter should demand immediate deletion of the re-aged account. Do not ask for corrections. Demand complete removal.
Include these essential elements:
- Your full name and contact information
- The original creditor’s name
- The account number you’re disputing
- Evidence of the correct DOFD
- Proof showing the re-aged date
- A clear demand for account deletion
Keep your tone professional but firm. State facts without emotional language. Attach all supporting documentation.
If you’re facing a lawsuit over this debt, our partner Solo can help you respond to the court summons properly.
Step 4: Check the Statute of Limitations
Every state has a statute of limitations on debt collection. Collectors cannot sue you after this period expires.
The statute typically ranges from three to six years. Each state sets its own timeframe. Research your state’s specific statute of limitations.
Re-aging can illegally reset the statute of limitations clock. Disputing re-aging may reveal that your debt is time-barred. Time-barred debts cannot result in valid lawsuits.
Step 5: Report to Federal Authorities
Re-aging violates federal law. Report the violation to the Federal Trade Commission immediately. You can also file complaints with your State Attorney General.
Submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB tracks patterns of illegal debt collection practices. Your complaint helps protect other consumers.
Document every report you file. Keep confirmation numbers and copies of all submissions.
Free Re-Aging Debt Letter Template
Use this template to request your consumer disclosure file:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing regarding account [account name], account number [account number].
I request my consumer disclosure file under FCRA Section 609(a)(1). Please provide the date of first delinquency and the FCRA compliance date. I also need the name of the party who reported the date of first delinquency.
Federal law grants me the right to obtain this information. I expect your response within 30 days.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
What to Expect After Sending Your Letter
Credit bureaus must investigate your dispute within 30 days. They will contact the creditor or collector to verify the information.
The bureau must provide you with investigation results in writing. If they cannot verify the re-aged information, they must delete the account.
Sometimes disputing old debts triggers renewed collection efforts. Collectors may attempt contact after years of silence. Know your rights before engaging with collectors.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
The FCRA protects you from inaccurate credit reporting. You have the right to dispute any incorrect information.
Credit bureaus must investigate disputes and correct errors. They cannot report information they cannot verify. Failure to comply with the FCRA opens them to legal liability.
You can sue creditors and bureaus for FCRA violations. Successful lawsuits can result in damages and attorney fees. Courts take re-aging violations seriously.
How to Prevent Future Re-Aging
Monitor your credit reports regularly. You’re entitled to free reports from each bureau annually. Check reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Keep detailed records of all debts and payment histories. Store account statements and payment confirmations safely. These documents prove the true dates if disputes arise.
Respond to collection notices in writing. Never acknowledge a debt without verifying its accuracy first. Written communication creates a paper trail.
When to Consider Legal Action
Persistent re-aging despite your disputes warrants legal help. Consumer protection attorneys often work on contingency for FCRA cases.
Multiple FCRA violations strengthen your legal position. Courts award statutory damages even without proving actual harm. You may also recover attorney fees and court costs.
Document every violation meticulously. Save all letters, emails, and credit reports. Strong documentation makes your case easier to prove.