When I tried to dispute an item, my credit score went down

[manuel264]

Last May 07 I began the process to clear negative items from my credit reports. I sent debt validation requests to 2 different creditors via certified mail. One never replied and the second replied 45 days later informing me that my account had been transferred to a different agency. I contacted Equifax and bought their monitor service and I used their electronic dispute form. To my surprise next day I received a notice indicating that my credit score with Equifax had been lowered 18 points. I contacted them by phone and they informed me that since I was disputing the two accounts, they had been removed temporarily from my record and thus, affected my score. I informed them that I had tried to request debt validation from both creditors and they had not replied promptly and accordingly. They replied that they could not do a thing about it and that I had to wait 30 additional days so they can complete their investigation. I insisted that I had contacted them 60 days ago and that I felt penalized for their lack of responsiveness. Does this sound correct? What should I do next since I'm in the process of applying for a loan for a house? Please...any comments or suggestions? Thanks

Message Edited by manuel264 on 08-17-2007 04:24 PM

[Anonymous]

Sorry- you are going to have to wait it out.

Keep in mind that these accounts were helping more than hurting.

[illcrew3]

How could they be helping his report?

[Anonymous]

---

@illcrew3 wrote:

How could they be helping his report?

---

Age and UTL.

The 18 point drop is proof that these accounts were helping the score.

[Tuscani]

There are some things FICO will not calculate while a TL is in
dispute. Does that mean you should dispute in hopes of increasing your score? NO! This could easily backfire.

Collections and public records do not apply and are never exempt while in dispute.

[demitasse03]

I think I'm beginning to get this but please could someone confirm that I'm on the right track. 

I have a $64 med collection - date reported is 2003.  I'm pretty sure it is mine, so I have not disputed, nor have I contacted them.  My instinct has been to do nothing for now, even though I really would like to see this gone.  Is this account "helpful" to my scores due to its age?  What is my best course of action?

[fused]

---

demitasse03 wrote:

I think I'm beginning to get this but please could someone confirm that I'm on the right track. 

I have a $64 med collection - date reported is 2003.  I'm pretty sure it is mine, so I have not disputed, nor have I contacted them.  My instinct has been to do nothing for now, even though I really would like to see this gone.  Is this account "helpful" to my scores due to its age?  What is my best course of action?

---

PFD is your best option and do so with the party who is reporting it on your CR(s).

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?board.id=generalcredit&message.id=2659