Double Whammy?

[Anonymous]

My EX report states that my only negative indicator is the last remaining $35 collection on my report.  It states the reason for such negative mark as "late payment 29 months ago."  Are collection accounts double whammies?  That is, you get penalized for 1) collection and 2) late payment categories?  Or are these two categories not independent of each other? Thanks!

[RobertEG]

Yes, a collection is an additional derog that is separate from other derogs reported by the original creditor.

It represents additional actions taken to attempt payment of a debt, similar to the reporing of a judgment or charge-off in addition to multiple monthly delinquencies.