so many lates and 'settled for less'...what do i do?

[Anonymous]

I have so many lates from a few years ago as well as 4 accounts that I 'PIF but for less than the balance due'...are these killing my scores? My utilization is at 23%. I have gw'd and gw'd but no success...any advice?

[llecs]

Keep with the GWs. Eventually, they'll give up ot give in. Blitz every address you can get your hands on. Try corp. officers. Try calling. I have one that I call each week. I know each of the front-line CSRs by name now.

[Anonymous]

FICO scoring doesn't care whether you pay in full or not. The collection or charge-off counts just as much toward lowering your score. Human beings reviewing your credit report tend to look less unfavorably on paid in full than they do on settled, but more favorably on settled than on unpaid.

Keep up with the GWs.