I have had experience with both companies that you mentioned, for a client.
1. Excel is very difficult to work with. Did you send the DV letter to them certified mail, return receipt? If not, then send one to them.
2. Send a copy of the first letter, along with a copy of the second one (if you need to send a second letter) and proof they received it in with your dispute to CRA.
A warning about Providian and Excel (based on experience).
1. Providian will not speak to you again. Period.
2. Excel may agree to things like a payoff amount or a settlement amount on the phone. Do NOT give them any money until they send over the faxed letter (or mailed letter) that clearly states what the terms off. Tell them they must include specifics - such as the payoff amount is xx amount if received by xx date. Tell them to include the form of payment they will accept.
Sounds petty, but this is what they did to my client. We finally got them to give a pay off figure AND fax the letter to us and to the attny I had "hired". The funds were wired to them the same day the letter was received.
Excel had the balls to report it late (the card had never been paid late, not even when it was with Providian) and demand more money after the fact.
It took some time and patience to get them to cease and desist collection efforts. I had proof of their payoff terms. I had proof the money had been wired to them.
I also took the same proof, along with their renewed collection efforts, to the CRA and disputed the "lates" that started appearing. They were deleted immediately.
In this case, Providian sold the debt to Excel. Excel demanded payment in full, immediately. My client was getting ready to purchase a house, so we were getting to significantly reduce the amount owed.
Good luck!
