@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.
"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.
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.
