Duplicate contacts

[LetsgoFishing]

I recently received the DINC2. Had some minor issues and each time VZW had me to do a hard reset to fix my problems. Each time they have had me to use Backup Assist & my Gmail for my contacts and I kept getting dupe contacts.  We have resolved all the problems including the dupe contacts until the other day I went to send a text message and noticed my contacts are duped again. Also noticed if I pull up the phone pad and type the contact name in, it shows dupe there as well, but if i click on the 'people' app, no dupes.  Why is that? Went to VZW yesterday and was told to do a hard reset, AGAIN!  Can anyone tell me is there a way to link all these names together w/out doing another hard reset? I was hoping to delete all the contacts off the phone that I got from backup assist since I have more contacts listed on Gmail.

[CrimsonGuard]

It sounds like they are already linked, therefore the multiples don't show in "people" but they will still show when accessed from another app (messaging or email). I think your idea to exclude backup assistant is a good one, if you're willing to WIPE YOUR PHONE to get rid of your contacts. You could also delete them individually if that's easier. As much as I love Android, I think contact management is a sore spot especially when convoluted with the likes of HTC Sense and Backup Assistant.