Here is my letter, please tell me what you all think!! (It was inspired by GW letter from another poster)
September 20, 2007
CA
Address
Address
RE: Acct #
Dear Sir or Madam,
This letter is in regards to the above referenced account that was placed for collections with your agency on Date XX, 20XX by Original Creditor. I paid this account in full on Date XX. 20XX, and I am writing to see if you would be willing to make a positive adjustment on my credit reports by deleting this account from the three credit bureaus.
I understand people need to be held accountable for their mistakes and I agree with that entirely, but I would like to explain my situation at the time this account was sent to you for collections. I was 21-years old and going through a severe depression. The services that were provided to me from Original Creditor were a result of an injury I inflicted on myself as I did not want to live anymore. After that time period, I sought professional help for my depression, moved to South Carolina and tried to start fresh. I have since paid any medical bills from that time period and even got a new job.
Today I am the mother of a wonderful 8-month old little girl—she is the best blessing I could have ever asked for and the source of joy in my life. Her father and I would like to purchase a home for our family in the near future as he will be leaving for Iraq in December. My collection with your agency, while paid, is having a negative impact on my credit reports and may prevent us from securing financing for this purchase. I am humbly asking you to please, please give me a second chance by deleting this account.
I have heard horror stories about collection agencies that will stop at nothing to collect a debt and I am so grateful I did not have an experience like that with Collection Agency. I appreciate that your company has always been courteous and respectful to me, and I appreciate your patience during that tumultuous period in my life. I have tried very hard to rectify the financial damage I did to myself during that time, and am sincerely asking Credit Agency to consider my request. Please let me know if you require any further information from me that would help in reaching a positive outcome. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter.
Sincerely,
Me
Address
Address
Obviously the circumstances causing my collection are not going to apply to everyone, but any thoughts or suggestions on how to improve my letter are greatly appreciated!
Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age... but only if the grapes were good in the first place.
