For the $170, send each CA a DV letter. Only one can report a balance and both are hurting your score. Even if you know the debt is yours, DVing gives the CAs a chance to respond with the correct amount owed. If both still remain, then dispute as a duplicate account with the CRA. If the first one deletes, then offer a PFD letter if the 2nd CA offers a validation to your liking.
You would then GW the OC mentioning you already paid them via one of the two CAs. If the OC is an old account and older than your average age of your credit history, then you might not want to do anything to that account. If they delete, your score could drop.
Is the $460 with the OC or the CA? If with the OC is reporting, offer a PFD letter to the OC. If the CA reporting, start with a DV, then work your way to a PFD.
The word "dispute" in a PFD is necessary. They don't have to accept a PFD. If you write a letter saying that you owe $x and that you will pay it if they delete, they don't have to accept and they can use that letter against you if sued. Basically acknowledging a debt is an admission of liability.
Caution: Sending any letter to a CA or OC will increase the amount of collection activity. Expect calls and letters. Only do this if you are willing to pay.
BTW, welcome to the forums! Examples of these letters are somewhere on these forums.
Message Edited by llecs on
04-28-2008 04:20 PM