Do I need to pay it off or will it come off my credit history after 7 years? Also, is there a company that can help me out with this? I have a few utility bills that have gone to collection. Also a credit card, a cell phone bill that has gone to collection. I just don't know what I need to do or how to get in touch with them as they are not contacting me.

Simply ask for a credit report from each agency. On the form reply in each creditor space that you do not recognize the claim. Then send it back. The credit agency will then contact the creditor and they will have to respond within thirty days substantiating their claim or it comes off your record. E Pluribus Unum. You may not get rid of all of them but some won't even bother to respond.

If these debts are over 7 yrs. old, they should no longer be affecting your credit score. If they are not contacting you for payment, I'd let it go.

[Qtip]

Unfortunately bad credit can happen to good people, the debts will be removed from your credit file, 7 years after the accounts last activity.