Duplicate collection - same company 2 different account numbers

[Anonymous]

There is a collection agency that has an old doctors bill for me. They have the debt listed twice under two different account numbers. I called them today to see if I could setup a payment plan and have the dup entry removed. I was nice, calm. And the guy I spoke with was not nice. He told me if I paid in full he would remove the whole thing totally. I cannot afford to pay it in full right now.

Also, he stated that they switched computer systems and thats why the account is listed twice.

And if I wouldnt pay in full that he would leave both of them on there..

Can they do that?

Thanks

tnvolgrl

[Anonymous]

No they can't.   Either call them back and tell them they can't duplicate entries under the Fair Credit Report Act  or you can dispute them as duplicates and they have to comply.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. I am trying to dispute in with equifax. But it doesnt give me an area to describe the issue. And with 2 different account numbers, I am afraid that CRA will not try to validate it correctly.I will try to call the CA again and see if I can speak to a supervisor. This debt id from 2004. Is there another way for me to try to get this removed?

I am tryng to clean up my credit .

[Anonymous]

One other question.. if I try to send them a letter or PFD.. do I need to send it certified mail

[Anonymous]

Yes send it Cert. Mail Return Receipt Requested.

On the other one.   There should be a reason section for your dispute, if you are having trouble finding it call Equifax.

[Anonymous]

I had to do this myself a few months ago. I used Equifax to dispute it and I said that the account was not mine.

I knew the account # that I originally had so I disputed the new one. CA's are not alllowed to do this.

Within 30 days Equifax removed the entry.

[Anonymous]

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tnvolgrl wrote:

There is a collection agency that has an old doctors bill for me. They have the debt listed twice under two different account numbers. I called them today to see if I could setup a payment plan and have the dup entry removed. I was nice, calm. And the guy I spoke with was not nice. He told me if I paid in full he would remove the whole thing totally. I cannot afford to pay it in full right now.

Also, he stated that they switched computer systems and thats why the account is listed twice.

And if I wouldnt pay in full that he would leave both of them on there..

Can they do that?

Thanks

tnvolgrl

---

First send them a DV  on both of the accounts.  Then PFD the good account with payment arrangements.  If they accept the PFD....NEVER miss a payment!

They must answer both DVs in 30 days or stop reporting. In the mean time put what you can afford aside so that you are ready to start payments. DO NOT give bank account info. mail checks or pay online!

DV = proof that they own account or are authorized to collect for the OC. Also check your state & see if the CA needs to be licensed...if so are they!

SOL......most states have no SOL on hospital bills BUT other medical may go by SOL.

newbie link with links for abbrev. and freq.requested threads. You will find Noah's info on DV letters.

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?board.id=generalcredit&thread.id=38534

SOL

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20040116b2.asp?caret=8

SOL  updated and more detail

http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/SOL-by-State.html#7

Send letters CMRRR

Message Edited by HappyDays on 09-25-2007 12:48 PM