If the item is not yours, you will need to dispute the item.

Once you have the credit report in hand, you will need to call/write each bureau and dispute the account#. They have 30 days to verify it.

Some times they come off, no problem. Other times they do not. You will need to take it up with the original creditor and the collection agency.

Written communication is always the best.

If you cannot get it removed you will be allowed to make a consumer statement which goes into your file, but unfortunately it really does not do much good.