It’s ‘Debt Parking’: When Fake Debts End Up on Your Credit Report

“The F.T.C. recently took its first legal action to stop the fraud. Consumers may not know the debts are on their reports until they apply for a loan.”

Thanks to The New York Times writer Ann Carrns for exposing this despicable practice by the debt collection industry. 

“Consider this unnerving situation: You apply for a loan only to learn that your credit report is marred by a delinquent debt — one that you have already paid or maybe don’t recognize.”

‘You could be a victim of unscrupulous debt collectors who have placed invalid or fake debts on your consumer credit reports to coerce you to pay them. The tactic is called illegal “debt parking,” or sometimes “passive debt collection.”’

So, what can a person do? Get on the internet and check your credit report for free at: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

Follow the NYT’s Your Money column for more important financial information. 

Source: Financial Planning for Women