After paying off AFNI last year, decided to shoot them a GW letter.
February 9, 2015
Shawn Prince
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
N. Las Vegas, NV 89081
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
DISH Network L.L.C.
9601 S Meridian Blvd.
Englewood, CO 80112
Re: Acct # [SSN - XXX-XX-XXXX]
Dear AFNI,
I am writing to you today regarding my account. The purpose of my correspondence is to see if you would be willing to make a "goodwill" adjustment on the reporting of this account to the three credit agencies.
During the time period this account was established I had was very happy with the service, I was however not the ideal customer and made mistakes with my handling of the account. I should have kept better records regarding the account and I take full responsibility. I became aware of the unpaid balance when I got a copy of my credit report; however, i was not financially stable until early 2014.
I know that payment was my responsibility and I am not attempting to justify this breach of my user agreement, I was however hoping you might review the circumstances under which this non-payment occurred and consider removing the negative trade line associated with this account from my three credit reports.
As soon as I became aware of the balance I contacted AFNI and paid the balance. I provide this not to justify why the account was unpaid, but rather to show that the issue with my account is not a good indicator of my actual credit worthiness. I hope that AFNI is willing to work with me on erasing this mark from my credit reports.
I would like to STRESS that the information currently being reported IS accurate, (I am not disputing anything with DISH/AFNI). I am simply asking AFNI for a courtesy gesture of goodwill in having the credit bureaus remove this account from my report. I do recognize that this request is unique and that it may not be AFNI's normal policy. Please consider that the Fair Credit Reporting Act does not demand that all accounts be reported, only that any account that is reported be reported accurately. Therefore, a company does have legal discretion and permission to remove any account it chooses from the credit report. I'm hoping that AFNI will do that in my case for this account.
Your kind consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Shawn Prince
and then their reply
Dear Shawn,
Afni thanks you for your payment. Accordingly, in the normal course of business, Afni will report that that we have received payment in full of your account, and will report a $0 balance. This will reflect the accurate status of this account. We understand that you are seeking removal of this tradeline from your credit report; however, to remain in good standing with the credit reporting agencies, Afni’s policy is to furnish the accurate status only.
So, we shall try again next month.
