<prompt> Human: I pull mine and my wifes credit reports fairly regularly. This past time, an account in collections popped up that I didnt recognize. It said the account went to collections is currently with a collections agency now in January and the original debtor is a medical organization in a state we lived in over 4 years ago but in which we visit frequently for family, etc. Weve taken our kids to the doctors office in that state before, but never to any of the facilities listed on the original creditors website.I immediately disputed the account online with the credit agency I pulled my report from last night. But what do I do now? The CA hasnt been trying to collect, but its there on our credit reports. Do I reach out and try to validate the debt with the CA? Do I just wait for the credit agency to get back to me on the dispute? I was hoping to finance a car this month. Its not urgent, so I can wait to get this off my record before doing so, but should I try to speed this up at all? My first thought is that this is either a case of mistaken or stolen identity most likely mistaken, but Id say theres maybe a 5 chance that the debt is valid and we just missed it or something.  <response>: You cant really speed anything up, its up to the credit bureaus and they legally have 30 days to respond. As long as you disputed the account now you just have to wait for their response letter in the mail. Usually two weeks. Do not pay any collection without proof that it will be taken off your credit report, you could pay it now and it could stay for 7-10 years, wasting your money. 