Ceased letter question

[markybbb]

I sent letters requesting proof from all collectors to start working on my credit. I received a letter back that said:

"After our investigation, National Credit Solutions is remitting this file back to our client for their review. We are ceasing to collect on this account and are closing this account with our office."

What does this actually mean and if it means they will remove this from.my credit..how long does it take?

[RobertEG]

It means, in simplist terms, that they are no longer collecting on the debt, so thus wont be providing any verification, and are no longer the party to contact regarding the debt or its payment.  They are out of the picture.  Totally proper.

As for any credit reporting they may have done, it does not mean that they have or will be deleting.  Their is no requirement that they delete prior, accurate reporting based on termination of their collection activities.  They may choose to delete, if for no other reason than to preclude any future disputes with them, but it is entirely voluntary on their part.

If a new debt collector is assigned, the process of dunning notice and DV begins anew.

[markybbb]

Is there nothing I can do now then?  It doesn't make since to me.  I request proof they have the debt, and since they cannot display proof, I thought they would have to remove it from my record?

[RobertEG]

REsponse to a DV request is not required under the statute, even if they had remained the debt collector on the debt.  Deletion of credit reporting is also separate from debt validation.  Failure to provide verifcation is not grounds for requiring CR deletion.

"Penalty" for lack of verification is that they must cease collection until such time as they choose to provide verification.

They have made the issue of further debt collection moot by terminating the collection.  Its just old history now.

[markybbb]

Would it be pointless then to request for deletion or am I basically stuck with this remaining on my credit report?

[RobertEG]

There really is no proper grounds for requesting deletion other than a GW request to the debt collector.  Give that a shot...

It is not a basis for CRA dispute, and is not a violation of the FDCPA.