<prompt> Human: Im applying for an apartment and in my credit check that the landlord ran it says I owe 1,027. It was a gas and electric bill from college that I indeed paid off In NJ 5 years ago. Last year this came up and the credit company said sometimes things get lost in the process and should be fine.But almost a year later the bill of 1,027 has come up as how much I owe, but it doesnt say from where. The credit check they used says my score is 524. Experian says 659.What do I do...please help.  <response>: Send a letter to the electric companyor collection agency asking for validation or removal of the entry. If they dont do either in 30 days then send a letter to the CRAs asking for removal. That way youve covered your bases. and its cheaper since you should send all 4 letters signature delivery.Always do this stuff in writing. 