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Dispute the item directly with the CRA since the collection agency is playing dumb.
@Anonymous wrote:
I hate to ask a stupid question, but how do I do this and what argument would I use? Also, will this hurt the chances for me getting a goodwill deletion later if this is denied?
https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit
https://www.equifax.com/personal/disputes
https://www.experian.com/disputes/main.html
Each sites tells you how to do it. Read through each one so you're more familiar with the process. The safest way is by mail, return receipt postage so you know when the CRA received the dispute (they are on a time limit). You lose a few rights disputing items online but you can. You should not need a good will deletion since you paid the bill before you technically got the notice and the CA would therefore not have the debt anymore. I'd say the OC had already been paid. When the CRAs check with the CA/OC, the CA should say they don't have it anymore so it'll be deleted because the CRAs won't be able to verify it. If CA say they have it but it's paid, then you'll start a good will campaign to get that removed.
If I were in your shoes, I would fight this tooth and nail to avoid having to beg for a GW deletion from a CA that is acting shady and unprofessional out of the gate. This Bad Larry (my 10-year-old daughter thinks that's the funniest expression!) is going to be sticking around for 7 years and dragging you down a potential 100 points if you let the CA win. You legitimately paid your debt and you don't deserve to be kicked in the rear for 7 years.
If the OC has a local office, start there. If you can find a nice Office Manager to look up the account for you and write you a quick letter (on company letterhead, of course) stating the account number and that the amount owed was paid in full to them on Xyz date, you can use that to dispute the validity of the CA's claim to both the CRA's and the CA. If not, get a billing representative on the phone and ask them to do the same. If possible, have them e-mail you a PDF of the letter so that you can have it in hand as quickly as possible.
Best of luck!