How We Helped Lisa Remove Her Collections ECT – And How You Can Too

by Joe Mahlow • Updated on Mar. 21, 2025

A caption for the above image.

Collections ECT - the financial roadblock you didn't see coming.

You inspect your credit report and it says "Collections ECT…" Now, your credit score is taking a beating. This is not an isolated scenario. Lisa faced the same frustrating battle against lingering, often inaccurate - collection accounts.

Stop letting them dictate your financial life. We'll show you how to challenge, dispute, and ultimately remove these credit-damaging entries.

How to Get Rid of Collections ECT

Lisa was tired of being held back by her credit.

She had worked hard to rebuild her finances, but a collections ect account was keeping her score from improving. Every time she applied for a new credit card or tried to get an auto loan, she got the same response: denied due to collections.

"I already paid this off, and they’re still reporting it!" she told us. "I don’t even know what else to do."

Lisa had tried disputing it online, but the collection agency "verified" the account, and it remained on her credit report. That’s when she reached out to us.

Recommended Story: How to Get Rid of ERC Collections

Step 1: Gathering All Documentation

The first thing we did was pull Lisa’s full credit report and identify every detail about the collections ect account:

✅ The original creditor that supposedly owned the debt
✅ The date of first delinquency (to check if it was legally reportable)
✅ Any validation letters the collection agency sent Lisa
✅ Payment records proving Lisa had already paid this debt
✅ Any errors in reporting that could get it removed

Next, we sent a debt validation request to the collection agency demanding the following:

📌 A copy of the original signed contract proving Lisa agreed to the debt
📌 A detailed account ledger showing where each charge came from
📌 Proof of debt ownership transfer from the original creditor
📌 Communication records between Lisa and the debt collector
📌 Documentation proving that Lisa had been properly notified before they reported the account

Step 2: The Collection Agency Failed to Provide Key Documents

After a few weeks, we received a partial response from the collection agency.

🚨 They sent over a generic account statement, but they failed to provide:
❌ A signed contract proving Lisa originally agreed to the debt
❌ Proof that the collection agency had legal ownership of the debt
❌ A full payment history from the original creditor

That was a major red flag. Without these key documents, they had no legal right to continue reporting the collection.

Step 3: Taking Action Against the Credit Bureaus

Since the collection agency couldn’t provide full documentation, we built a case against Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion arguing:

📌 Incomplete debt validation – The collection agency failed to prove the debt was valid.
📌 Reporting violations – They didn’t provide the required consumer notices before reporting the account.
📌 Lack of legal standing – Without proof of ownership transfer, the agency had no right to collect or report the debt.

We sent an escalated dispute to the credit bureaus demanding immediate deletion.

The Results: Collection ECT Deleted

✅ Final credit score: 756 (+91 points)
✅ Collections ect account permanently removed
✅ Approved for a new credit card with a low interest rate

Lisa was thrilled.

"I had no idea I could fight back like this. I thought I was stuck with this collection forever. Thank you for helping me get my credit back!"

Here’s the official deletion letter Lisa received:

The CEO Method: A Secret Strategy for Debt Removal

Most people don’t realize that one of the most powerful ways to remove collections is by going directly to the CEO of the company that owns the debt.

Here’s how it works:

1. Find the CEO’s Direct Contact Information

Debt collection companies have executives who oversee their operations. The key is to find their direct email or office number.

📌 Where to look:
✔️ Hunter.io – Great for finding CEO emails quickly
✔️ Company websites – Check the "About Us" or "Leadership" section
✔️ LinkedIn – Many CEOs list their profiles with email access
✔️ SEC Filings – Publicly traded companies often list executive contacts
✔️ Press Releases – Look for statements issued by executives
✔️ Corporate directories – Some sites publish executive contact details

2. File Complaints with Government Agencies

If the credit bureaus won’t remove the collection, escalate it further:

📌 File a dispute with the FTC – www.ftc.gov
📌 File a complaint with the CFPB – www.consumerfinance.gov
📌 File a complaint with your State Attorney General’s office – Each state has an online filing system for consumer complaints

📌 Direct Contact Emails for Complaints:

CFPB: CFPB_Complaints@consumerfinance.gov
FTC: consumercomplaints@ftc.gov
State Attorney General – Check your state’s official website for email addresses

Many consumers have seen collections removed within weeks after filing multiple complaints!

Other Proven Methods to Remove Collections

Settle the Debt—But Do It Right

If the dispute process doesn’t work, consider settling the debt for a fraction of what you owe. Always negotiate AFTER attempting credit repair.

📌 Guide to Settling a Debt:

🔹 Step 1: Locate the Collection Agency
Find their contact information on your credit report or through an online search.

🔹 Step 2: Identify Debt Details
Take note of the amount owed and confirm whether the collection agency legally owns the debt.

🔹 Step 3: Make the Call – Stay Anonymous at First
Use a different phone number and start by asking if they are the correct party to speak to.

🔹 Step 4: Request a Pay-for-Delete Agreement
Ask if they will remove the collection from your credit report in exchange for payment.
Possible responses:

✅ "Yes, we will remove the debt." → Proceed to settlement.

❌ "No, we will not remove it." → You can still settle and dispute it afterward.

🔹 Step 5: Negotiating the Debt Settlement

The older the debt, the less you should offer:

✔️ 1-year-old debt: Start at 50% and settle for around 40%
✔️ 2-year-old debt: Start at 60% and settle for around 50%
✔️ 3-year-old debt: Start at 70% and settle for around 60%
✔️ Over 3 years old: Start at 80% and settle for around 70%

Sample Negotiation Script:
"I want to resolve this today, but I’m only able to pay [starting offer]. If you can accept this, I’ll make the payment immediately."

If they refuse, push back with:
"That’s the highest I can go. If this isn’t possible, I’ll need to explore other options."

🔹 Step 6: Get Everything in Writing Before Paying
✅ Ensure the settlement terms are provided via email or letter.
✅ If they agree to remove the debt, confirm it in writing.
✅ Use a credit card or cashier’s check to make the payment (avoid giving direct access to your bank account).

🔹 Step 7: Follow Up and Dispute the Debt After Payment
Once the debt is paid, wait 30 days and dispute it with the credit bureaus. Many agencies fail to respond, resulting in automatic removal.

📌 Download the Full Guide to Settling a Debt: Click Here.

If the dispute process doesn’t work, consider settling the debt for a fraction of what you owe. Always negotiate AFTER attempting credit repair.

📌 Steps to negotiate a settlement:

✅ Offer 30-40% of the total balance as a lump sum
✅ Get a pay-for-delete agreement in writing before paying
✅ Use a credit card or cashier’s check to track payment
✅ Follow up with the credit bureaus to ensure deletion

Request a Goodwill Deletion

If you’ve already paid the collection, sending a goodwill deletion request can help remove it from your credit report. This method works best for those who had a temporary hardship but have since been making responsible financial decisions.

📌 How to Write a Goodwill Deletion Letter:

✅ Address it to a high-level representative (Manager, CEO, or VP of the company)
✅ Be polite and explain the circumstances that led to the late payment or collection
✅ Highlight your history of on-time payments (if applicable)
✅ Request removal as a gesture of goodwill
✅ Offer reasons why keeping the negative mark does not reflect your current financial responsibility

📌 Example Goodwill Deletion Request:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Request for Goodwill Deletion
Dear [Creditor's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing regarding a [specific account number] that was placed on my credit report. Due to [explain hardship – job loss, medical emergency, etc.], I was unable to make timely payments. However, since then, I have worked hard to regain financial stability, and I have continued making on-time payments.
I kindly request that, as a goodwill gesture, you consider removing this collection from my credit report. I truly appreciate the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and would be grateful if this request is granted.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

🔹 Follow up via email or phone to ensure your request is being processed. If you’ve already paid the collection, send a goodwill letter to the original creditor or collection agency requesting a removal based on hardship or mistake.

Dispute with the Credit Bureaus Using the CEO’s Response

If you’ve reached out to the CEO and they admit to not having full documentation, use their response as evidence to demand deletion from the credit bureaus.

Need Help Removing Collections ECT?

If collections are hurting your credit score, you don’t have to deal with it alone.

💡 Not sure which strategy will work for your case? Let’s take a look together.

🔹 Start a chat with us now → [Click Here]
🔹 Call us at 📞 888-656-0803
🔹 Text us at 📲 281-545-5001