New to the scene

[Lsp]

I have been trying to start the process of repair.  I have a couple of cell phone providers that have recently put collections on my credit report for old debts.  I have already paid these debts in full but don't have the proof to show.  Some of these debts were paid to the actual company and not the collection agency.  They are still charging me for bills I have already paid.  There is a finance company that I paid in full years ago and it is showing unpaid.  The company is no longer in business.  Where should I start?  Should I start with DV letters?

[Repo-ed]

How did you pay?  If you used anything other than cash, there should be a papertrail with somebody.

[Lsp]

It was done through money orders.  I don't have any of the copies of them and I have moved a couple of time since then.  Since I know I have paid, would it be best for me to just have them validate the debt? 

[Repo-ed]

How old are the debts?

[Lsp]

The debts are very old, some are from 2005-2007.  

[Repo-ed]

What state did the debts orginate in?  you might have SOL on your side, and may be better off just letting them be.

[LIGHTNIN]

SOL can be used in the state where the debt occur in.

But most of the time, Creditor will use the SOL of the state you currently live in.

[Lsp]

All of the debt occurred in the state of Louisiana.  There was a collection for Sprint on my transunion account since 2010, they just added to my EQ report and I took a hard hit.  I am trying to get some of the negative stuff off so that I can increase my score.

[LIGHTNIN]

Hi Lsp,

Start with pulling your Free CR's from (ACR) annualcreditreport.com. they tend to have more info on them, then ones from a 3rd party.The CR's from (ACR), come directly from each of the CRA's. You can pull 1 CR from TU,EQ and EX every 12 months.

Important dates to know, DoFD's and the SOL of your state.

Check out the stickys at the top of the board.The blue taps top of the page, Education & Financial Help Center are very helpful too.

To start with understand how FICO score are calulated.... The Son Of Credit Scoring 101.

Another helpful one is.....What Steps Do I Take?Do I DV?PFD?

I know there's alot of reading. And if you have questions, feel free to post them.

Good Luck to you You can do this.