What should I do if I came across a credit report that seems to be a scam?

Write a letter to the three major credit bureaus, with a copy to the furnisher of information, stating that you do not recognize this party as anyone to whom you might owe money and ask for the basis of the "trade line." Send the letter by certified mail. The address of the furnisher should be part of the "trade line." The credit bureaus have 30 days to verify the debt or remove the trade line. The above response is not intended to create, nor does it create either an attorney-client relationship or an ongoing duty to respond to questions. It is intended to be solely the educated opinion of the author and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Some responses may be advertising material. The response given is based upon the limited facts provided by the inquiring person and additional or differing facts might change the response. Attorney is licensed to practice law only in the state of Illinois. Responses are answers to general legal questions and the inquiring party should consult a local attorney for specific answers and advice. Answering this question does not create a duty to keep information confidential, nor does it prevent me from representing an adverse party.

You can informally contact the creditor by phone or write them requesting an explanation for the alleged debt. Once you see their side of the story (and assuming they won't agree to delete it), you will be better prepared to do what's necessary to get it off your report. Next, you need to dispute that specific trade line with the credit bureau(s).