Equifax Verfied a negative item but it is incorrect!

[Anonymous]

My credit has been pretty good up until this random item ended up on my report  It is a collection account for $33.  I don't have any non-pays on my report.  Why would i let my credit go to s*** over $33?  The collection agency claims it is for some equipment that I did not return for Charter communications two years ago.  I don't have any Charter equipment. Why the hell would I keep it? Secondly I never received any correspondence from them.  I disputed the accuracy with equifax and it came back as verified.  

First of all,  how is it legal for a collection account to show up on your report when the original creditor never showed up on the report?  Is that legal?

Secondly,  do I have a right to ask Equifax to show me evidence of how they proved I owe this?  Sometimes I feel so helpless as a consumer.  It's all about the creditors.  The credit agencies definitely have their best interests at heart.

I just need to know what my next steps are. Should I go to the BBB, Attorney General etc and should I file the complaint against equifax and the collection agency. 

[Anonymous]

also the collection agency said they'd accept the $33 but would not take of my credit report they would only update the collection account as paid. Well there would still be a collection account on my credit report. Why would i pay something I don't owe and you leave it on my credit report?

I'm wondering if I should send the collection agency a letter and request that they delete if I pay but I'd want that in writing first.   

[llecs]

A CA can report without the OC reporting. Some OCs opt not to report (and that is a good thing).

EQ is just reporting what this CA submitted to them. Send this CA a DV letter. If they verify and you agree with the $33, then send a PFD letter and they'll delete after payment. If you disagree with the $33 after you get the DV results, then you have other options available to you, like the BBB. It may also be worth it to contact Charter and ask for the last couple of bill copies that would demonstrate what the $33 is.

Never ever call a CA. Never. Their word is never their bond and they will say anything to get you to pay.