Accounts in Collections After Chapter 7

[ItnStln]

Long story short, I went through Chapter 7 back in 2012.  My credit report is showing two accounts, which were included in Chapter 7, as being still active, and in collections.  My understanding was, after bankruptcy, those would not show as actiive.  None of the other accounts which were in collections are showing as being in collections.  Was my understanding correct or not?  Do I have any recourse if they are not supposed to be in collections?

[ezdriver]

Tradelines included in a bankruptcy should be reported as IIB with a zero balance.

I recommend that you send a copy of your discharge, along with the credit list, and ask that they correct the reporting violations immediately.

[ItnStln]

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@ezdriver wrote:

Tradelines included in a bankruptcy should be reported as IIB with a zero balance.

I recommend that you send a copy of your discharge, along with the credit list, and ask that they correct the reporting violations immediately.

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That's what I was thinking ezdriver, thanks!  Do I write to the credit bureau or the collection agency directly?

[arholden]

I went to the credit agencies' websites and filed a dispute online, and uploaded my schedule of creditors (that was included in the bankruptcy) to each one. They corrected it on the credit report. But you should also contact the collection agency themself, let them know that the debt was included in the bankruptcy, and give them your attorney's name and phone number. By law they can only contact your attorney once you've done that.

[ezdriver]

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@arholden wrote:

I went to the credit agencies' websites and filed a dispute online, and uploaded my schedule of creditors (that was included in the bankruptcy) to each one. They corrected it on the credit report. But you should also contact the collection agency themself, let them know that the debt was included in the bankruptcy, and give them your attorney's name and phone number. By law they can only contact your attorney once you've done that.

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x2

If the creditor is not dealth with directly, the incorrect reporting could continue.

[ItnStln]

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@arholden wrote:

I went to the credit agencies' websites and filed a dispute online, and uploaded my schedule of creditors (that was included in the bankruptcy) to each one. They corrected it on the credit report. But you should also contact the collection agency themself, let them know that the debt was included in the bankruptcy, and give them your attorney's name and phone number. By law they can only contact your attorney once you've done that.

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Thanks for the advice!  I will do that later this week when I am of.  When I write to the collection agencies, do I list my bankruptcy date and case number or just my attorney's name and phone number?  I don't want to give them too much information since this is an error on their fault, but if it'll help then I am willing to.  Once the twp open accounts, which were IIB, are dropped from my report, should I expect a significant increase in my credit score or not?

[ItnStln]

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@ezdriver wrote:

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@arholden wrote:

I went to the credit agencies' websites and filed a dispute online, and uploaded my schedule of creditors (that was included in the bankruptcy) to each one. They corrected it on the credit report. But you should also contact the collection agency themself, let them know that the debt was included in the bankruptcy, and give them your attorney's name and phone number. By law they can only contact your attorney once you've done that.

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x2

If the creditor is not dealth with directly, the incorrect reporting could continue.

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This makes sense.  Hopefully I am able to get this resolved within the next few months.

[arholden]

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@ItnStln wrote:

Thanks for the advice!  I will do that later this week when I am of.  When I write to the collection agencies, do I list my bankruptcy date and case number or just my attorney's name and phone number?  I don't want to give them too much information since this is an error on their fault, but if it'll help then I am willing to.  Once the twp open accounts, which were IIB, are dropped from my report, should I expect a significant increase in my credit score or not?

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I called them on the phone, basically just gave them my name and said they had a collection against me. When they pulled up my account and info I told them that the debt was included in my Ch 7 bankruptcy, here is my bankruptcy case #, and here is my attorney's number. Very quick and simple. As soon as they hear you have an attorney they are just nice as can be and are quick to get off the phone with you because they don't want to get in trouble for talking to you when you have an attorney.

I didn't really see any increase to my score when I got my stuff cleared off but I also have to admit that at that time I was not monitoring it closely. I didn't even know what my FICO scores were until I'd already started the process of cleaning my reports a couple of months after discharge. 

Good luck!