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Like all long journeys, they begin with the first step and at the beginning point. Be sure to read up on the Credit 101, FICO scoring and helpful threads. This information will save you a ton of headache, especially if you are dealing with CA's etc.
FICO High Achievers - Credit Scoring 101 - myFICO PDF Booklet - Closing CC's
Frequently Requested Threads - FTC website: Knee Deep in Debt - Helpful Threads
FICO Score Estimator
Is that a score you got here?
You need to know the most important information first, the DOFD for each account, the DOLA(usually date of last payment), and your state's SOL.
If you haven't already, I would get your free annual reports, as these reports come directly from the CRA and provide much more information than reports you'll get elsewhere, like on myFICO or TrueCredit.
Check out the links in my signature, very helpful information there.
For medical debts, you want to follow the HIPAA process. You can read about that by click on the link titled "Recovering from Medical Debt" below.
For any account with a CA, you always want to DV before PFD'ing.....but you never want to DV before knowing the above information.
For questions on specific accounts list back the specifics of the account
1) Original Creditor
2)Who is reporting-- the OC or a CA
3) Name of CA
4) Is the OC reporting a balance
5) DOFD
6) DOLA
7) SOL for your state
8) Can you PIF
If the balance were to be legit, if the debt is beyond SOL or you can PIF, then I would DV the CA. Keep it short and simple and send it CMRRR.
Stop talking to them on the phone.