topic Re: Collection question in General Credit Topics

Collection question

natasjlp — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:49:30 GMT

I just pulled my CR from Experian (as much as I can't stand them for not selling me my FICO score) and it shows a collection that does not show on TU or EQ. It is a collection OC is Verizon and now CA is Debt Recovery Solutions for $58...

This is not my debt - I have Verizon as a carrier and pay every month - I don't owe them anything and haven't. Until next month when I pay my bill.

What is my best way to dispute? Should I contact the CA, write EX or click on the 'dispute' button on their website - or because it is only $58 should I just call them for a freakin PFD and be done with it?

Message Edited by natasjlp on 04-06-2009 09:49 AM

Re: Collection question

brownee — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:56:51 GMT

I wouldn't pay it if its not yours. I'd dispute with EX as not yours...

Re: Collection question

natasjlp — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:04:27 GMT

If I dispute directly with Experian, which is probably the right thing to do, should I write a letter or dispute online? Which way is best?

I have heard write a letter - is that true for this case?

Re: Collection question

llecs — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:24:00 GMT

I personally would DV the CA. If the CA verifies with the CRA, then it would be very difficult to dispute again. Disputing should always be the last option (if inaccurate).

Re: Collection question

natasjlp — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:27:06 GMT

alright - so if I DV the CA (not the CRA) how do I do that? call or write a letter? any sample letters to look at?

Should I just PFD being it is only $58? Should I DV first? Will that make it more difficult if the CA does validate the debt?

Re: Collection question

llecs — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:35:56 GMT

DV info:

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?message.uid=7133#U7133

There are also some mor einvolved letters floating around. If you search for "DV example", then you'll bump into it.

Never ever never call a CA.

Always DV before sending a PFD. You want them to prove that the debt is still valid. If they provide you with the OC name, contact info, and a balance owed, then PFD them.

Re: Collection question

natasjlp — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:59:28 GMT

So never call a CA - gotcha - I will stop this because I already have for different collection and it has not worked out so far.

So I will write a DV to the CA - but I already know the OC is Verizon, at least that is what it says on my EX CR.

Re: Collection question

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:03:52 GMT

@natasjlp wrote:

So I will write a DV to the CA - but I already know the OC is Verizon, at least that is what it says on my EX CR.

The purpose of the DV is not to find out the OC but to have the CA prove that the debt is yours. If they cannot do that, then they cannot report to the CRAs.

PS - Do not sign the DV as CAs can copy that and put it on paperwork you never signed...

Re: Collection question

natasjlp — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:06:21 GMT

yikes - so CAs are that bad eh? I did just have one lie to me several times about how the report collections to CRAs...

I will search DV letters for CAs and send it out soon without my sig - thanks!

Re: Collection question

llecs — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:25:02 GMT

natasjlp wrote:
yikes - so CAs are that bad eh? I did just have one lie to me several times about how the report collections to CRAs...

I will search DV letters for CAs and send it out soon without my sig - thanks!

CAs are notoriously bad. Here's a few examples that I have either read or experienced over the years (not all CAs are this bad though..."good CA" is an oxymoron):

CA's have been known to record phone calls without your permission or consent.
CA's will tell you anything to get paid including saying that "if you pay today, we'll delete today" or "if you pay today, we won't report", when in fact the opposite is true.
There are several documented cases of CAs lifting signatures to apply to documents of their own creation.
Some CAs have been known to re-age so as to extend SOL and CRTP.
Some CA reps have been known to lift payment information, SSN and other info to use for their own use (always pay with one payment with certified funds).
Some CA reps will tell you that you will go to jail if you don't pay today as evidenced by the recent Dateline specials (see page 2 for links). Actually had a co-worker told that too by NCO: pay today or go to jail. Out of fear, she paid.
CAs have been known to puchase old debts and via some research, send notices out to all the "John Doe"s out there just to get someone to pay. Many in here report old debt like that when they never even did business with the OC.
CAs are the #1 complaint within the FTC.
Some CA reps will tell a debtor that if they pay then their FICO score will improve.
CAs have been known to call friends, family, or neighbors to put pressure on you (happened to me).
There are tons more, but I've gotta go.