SSN on Goodwill Letter?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have been reading the threads on goodwill letters and am still unsure of something. Should I be putting my SSN on this or do most collection agencies keep the account record even after the collection has been paid. I am writing to get 4 paid, closed collections off my report and have the old account numbers. Will this information still be in their system enough to complete this request or do I need to provide my SSN (I really don't want to for security and theft reasons). Thanks!

[llecs]

I'd never include my SSN. I would include info which makes the paid CA much easier to find me and that would be my name, address (include any old ones if moved), and any account number they use.

[gymbo731]

I am under the impression that they already have that information anyhow, so what does it matter? I learned not to physically sign the papers that you mail them because then they can forge your name. Unfortunitly, SSN's aren't as secure as they once used to be. Believe me, they already know what it is. It is a good way though to confirm that you are you and not someone else.