Do Pay For Delete GOODWILL Letters Work?

[Johnny_Favorite]

I am working on my wife's acct right now. What do you guys think about this letter? It's for a utility company that has a record of not working with people on PFD's so I'm thinking that step is pointless. Debt has been validated. I was thinking of combining the elements of a pay for delete with the elements of a goodwill deletion. In other words, paying them and then asking nicely if they can delete as it was an honest mistake.

Dear Southern California Edison,

A few years ago I vacated my apartment and thought my bills were up to date. Unfortunately in my move I forgot to forward my bill to my new address and it is now showing as a debt on my credit report. I am very sorry for this mishap and would like to pay it in full.

I am asking if there is any way possible that this can be deleted from my report once this bill is paid? I hope that you understand that I never meant for this to happen and I would have gladly paid it in full had I received a final bill at my new address I am not denying this is my error but I am just asking for leniency given the circumstances. It would greatly help my situation if this were not on my credit report.

Please accept this check for $58.00 as payment in full and I hope you will work with me to delete this account from Experian, Equifax and Transunion. I am really looking to put this unfortunate mistake behind me if that's possible. Please help.

Thank you,

XXXXXX

[Shogun]

Yes, they do work.  I can attest to that first hand.  I like your letter.  It's short and sweet, gives an explanation and a solution.  It is well mannered and appropriate.  If I were to receive it, I would grant it.  

[Johnny_Favorite]

Thank you for the encouragement shogun. I'll send it in the mail... crossing my fingers.... =)

[Repo-ed]

yup. all that ive sent, have been honored. all derogs except for one remains.

[diabla]

Agreed.  Also like that you're enclosing the money so its not a matter of, I'm going to do this IF you do that.

[igids1]

Ive found that utilities will not accept a pay for delete, however, once paid they seem to remove from the CRAs.

[rckstrscott]

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@igids1 wrote:

Ive found that utilities will not accept a pay for delete, however, once paid they seem to remove from the CRAs.

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I agree with this statement.. But your letter looks great! good job..

I addition, I just wanted to point outthat ALL pfd letters are good will letters..

-scott

[Johnny_Favorite]

I have renewed hope. Thank you guys!

[Duncanrr]

I ave had 3 successful PFD letters. 1. Medical, 1. Utility bill and 1. Service agreement. So yes, they do work.

[webhopper]

I had a utility bill that was reporting. I called them and paid the $208 and then I sent a goodwill letter. I received a letter back from them about 2 weeks later stating that they would remove the collection.

Best of luck to you!