Should I attempt a fix?

[Anonymous]

I have three collections on my report from 5/2002, they all originated from the same medical collection (from a company called Medclear Inc - running a search yields a lot of horror stories).  Several years ago, I paid them in full.  Last year I attempted to have them consolidated (an attempt to raise my score) - but it back fired, and now two of them have a "consumer disputes this item", but now all three show a 120 day late payment in Jan 2008 - this is not true.  Since these originated in 5/2002 - I have been told they should drop off my credit report in Apr 2009, is this true - even considering the so-called 120 day late payment in Jan 2008?  This is the only problem with my credit report, and my score now stands at a 698, but we are thinking of buying a new house, or if not - refinancing our mortgage. 

[Junejer]

Hello kziegler, and welcome to the forums. Please read Credit Scoring 101, if you haven't already.

Perhaps you should try the HIPAA Process. When are you thinking of buying/refinancing? The collections should fall off between 7-7.5 years from occurrence.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Byrdman, I checked all three bureaus and Equifax was the only problem.  I called up CSC Credit Services - they are the dispute provider for Equifax in the state of Wisconsin, and they clearly recognized the mistake, and said they could fix it - without any format dispute or other nonsense.  And regardless it should drop off my report in April.  I'm thrilled - after being furious.

[Junejer]

Congrats. I like dealing with CSC, they have always been very responsive to my questions and disputes. Glad it was taken care of for you. I am also a Wisconsinite.