How do I find out how to pay a debt listed on my credit report

[Anonymous]

Hi, if anyone could advise me I sure would appreciate it. I have recently aquired my credit report and I have a collection listed from 2005. It said the original debter was merit care medical group fargo. I contacted them and they said they have no record of it, and don't know who we should contact. We're willing to just pay it so it will be off our record, but we can't find out who to pay it too. I think it might be a bill that insurance was late paying, or didn't cover but I'm not sure.Thanks

[llecs]

The OC probably sold it to the CA.

I'd DV the CA, all the while saving to pay for it, if necessary. I'd also contact the OC again and be 100% sure on their lack of info. I'd do this via writing, though. HIPAA may come into play here because if the OC doesn't have any info, the CA can't properly validate it.

Welcome to these forums BTW!

Message Edited by llecs on 03-28-2008 02:42 PM

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much for the welcome and the info. I'm sorry to be so dense, but what does dv mean? I don't know how to find out who the collection agency is , all I can see on the credit report is a number. I called a agency and the guy there said that each collection agency had a number to identify it and to try googling it to see who the collection agency was but it didn't work. 

[llecs]

Typically medical collections CA names are masked on your FICO credit reports. If you pulled directly from each CRA where the CA is listed, you'll likely get a full name and address. You can pull each of your 3 reports for free annually via www.annualcreditreport.com.

DV = debt validation [letter] .

I've got to admit but medical collections are my weak spot, but if I were in your case I would DV the CA and save to pay them at a later date if it comes back verified. Don't talk to them over the phone, though.

[Anonymous]

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dcpiller wrote:

 We're willing to just pay it so it will be off our record

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Just remember, without a PFD in writing, it won't come off just because you pay it.

Message Edited by sidewinder on 03-28-2008 01:24 PM