topic Re: Collection Account Re-Aged, help? in General Credit Topics

Collection Account Re-Aged, help?

DP68 — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:16:41 GMT

Hi. I'm sure you pro's get this all the time, and I searched and read some stuff, but still would like validation my thinking is correct, along with a couple questions please? As brief as possible....

[on behalf of my step daughter]. Sudden huge drop in scores, notice of new collection account: Online Information Services, is the account owner, bought from Ameren (to add some future searchers keywords also). $800 old elec bill, fell on some hard times, she's is rocking along nowadays, thankfully. -- Date of account opening: March 2023

HOWever.... She disputed this account several years ago. Same exact CA listed this same account as: Date of account opening: Aug 2020

It fell off reports shortly after that dispute and we forgot about it. Does this not seem a clear case of imporper account re-aging? If so, I assume I tell them thusly? Only questions are:

What to say? Is there form letter for this? Someone can link please?

And....I dont have the account number. All I have is beginning several digits, then it's blanked out on her credit reports, which I think is standard? And she has revceived zero mailings, which is also odd....so no full account numbers to reference there...? Do I just list what I have?

Thanks for any quick tips.

Re: Collection Account Re-Aged, help?

sznthescore — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:09:23 GMT

@DP68 wrote:
Hi. I'm sure you pro's get this all the time, and I searched and read some stuff, but still would like validation my thinking is correct, along with a couple questions please? As brief as possible....

[on behalf of my step daughter]. Sudden huge drop in scores, notice of new collection account: Online Information Services, is the account owner, bought from Ameren (to add some future searchers keywords also). $800 old elec bill, fell on some hard times, she's is rocking along nowadays, thankfully. -- Date of account opening: March 2023

HOWever.... She disputed this account several years ago. Same exact CA listed this same account as: Date of account opening: Aug 2020

It fell off reports shortly after that dispute and we forgot about it. Does this not seem a clear case of imporper account re-aging? If so, I assume I tell them thusly? Only questions are:

What to say? Is there form letter for this? Someone can link please?

And....I dont have the account number. All I have is beginning several digits, then it's blanked out on her credit reports, which I think is standard? And she has revceived zero mailings, which is also odd....so no full account numbers to reference there...? Do I just list what I have?

Thanks for any quick tips.

@DP68 First, I think this should be moved to credit rebuilding for better responses. The partial account number should work with disputing. Do you have old credit reports showing the suspected re-aging? As well as its removal and reappearance? That would definitely help in solidifying your claim. And I'm sure others will chime in with other suggestions.

Re: Collection Account Re-Aged, help?

Cowboys4Life — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 00:33:13 GMT

"Does this not seem a clear case of imporper account re-aging?"

Not at all. Utility accounts are often only placed for collection for a short time then re-called by the OC. It is entirely possible that the account was re-sent back to collections. They "date opened" is the date they got the account. It has ZERO effect on the date of actual default. Has that date been re-aged or just the date opened? A creditor can literally place an account with a CA 2 months before the reporting SOL expires. It doesn't matter that the date opened is current, the DOFD means it has to be deleted in 60 days regardless. It is a common consumer mistake to assume the current date opened means that the account has been re-aged.

"If so, I assume I tell them thusly?"

What is the goal of the letter? FYI: using a cut and paste letter from the internet is NEVER a good idea if you actually are looking for results. YOU shouldn't be telling them anything. If daughter wants this taken care of SHE needs to be handling this matter.

Re: Collection Account Re-Aged, help?

FireMedic1 — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 23:11:39 GMT

August of 2020 isnt several yrs ago. Once a dispute is filed. Sometimes its removed during the investigation. As you said you let it go. Once the investigation was done and verified. It was re-listed. Not re-aged. Contact the OC and ask if they will accept payment in exchange of recalling the debt from the CA. Utilities that send accounts to a CA dont do GW's. Paying the OC's in some cases will remove the CA's entry.

Re: Collection Account Re-Aged, help?

MeredithLepore — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:33:33 GMT

It is odd that your step-daughter hasn't been contacted by the collections agency, but probably for the best. She can reach out to them and negotiate a lump sum payment to clear the debt. Just make sure she gets an agreement in writing, that's what I'd advise.