Collection Agency Ignoring my letter!

[Anonymous]

I sent a dispute letter/DV letter to a collection agency and instead of them contacting me or writing me back they reported me to the credit bureaus as 120 late. When they did contact me it was to ask me to settle 50% of the debt. They never responded to my letter. What should I do? Aren't they required by law to verify my debt they claim I have.

[SmartCookie]

Read this thread if you have not yet:  http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?board.id=generalcredit&thread.id=4328&view=by_date_a...

Do you have proof that you sent the letter (rather, that they received it certified)?   In the response asking for settlement did they reference your letter at all?

If so, you already have grounds for a lawsuit since they have not ceased reporting.  I'd dispute online as well with the CBR(s) but feel free to stand corrected if this will set back what is already in progress that might work to your benefit.

[Anonymous]

I just opened my mail and they did respond to my dispute letter saying they were reviewing my account and that all activity on the account would cease until they were finished, however after the letter they reported me to the CB. What should I do?  They lied right?

I'm wondering if I should just settle with the 50%. Would that bring my score up?

Thanks!

[SmartCookie]

You can try writing back and requesting the removal of the updated CBR information.  That thread will help you word it so they know you are aware of the law, and apparenly they have violated it.  

Wait for the outcome of the DV before you even consider a PFD.  And keep reading... knowledge is power! 

[Anonymous]

I would ask them for a $1000 CHECK.

[Tuscani]

So they reported before validating? Big NO NO and you now have them on violation.