Midland is so funny... Should I settle or wait?

[Ravensfan2001]

I've been putting off Midland because they have the highest balance owed - $1067.53 for an old T-Mobile account (from 2007). I've received several letters to settle, but I haven't responded to them at all because I don't have the funds to pay them yet. They just started sending the letters in Spanish. LOL! I don't understand what they are offering now. I do plan to resolve this account this year, but I don't agree with the balance. And from what I've read on this forum, they are a tough cookie to crack!

*edit: I just got off the phone with T-Mobile. The balance is correct. Darn.

So from what was previously mailed to me, Midland offered to settle for $640.52. T-Mobile said they can't settle, but once I PIF, they can pull the account from Midland. I have the option of dividing payments with T-Mobile. I want to save money, and I want the collection off my account. I was thinking of maybe calling T-Mobile back in a few months and paying them in 3-4 monthly payments. My other option is to settle with Midland, then GW the heck out of them. Either way, I wouldn't be able to pay now (I'm trying to settle a judgment). Suggestions?

[Anonymous]

I would work with T-Mobile over Midland any day.  Did T-Mobile give you a time limit?

[Ravensfan2001]

There was no mention of a time limit. I just figure that since it's been 6 years since I defaulted, and T-Mobile was willing to accept the payment today, that a few more months wouldn't change anything. Of course, I'm just assuming.

[Anonymous]

You might want to call them back.  They could easily sell the debt and you would be stuck.

Maybe work out something for now.

[Ravensfan2001]

Can T-Mobile sell it to someone else even if Midland is claiming it as well?

Also, I noticed that Midland is reporting that they are receiving payments from me, which is false. I purchased SW today, and it shows that my most recent late was 5 months ago. Midland reported in October that I was 120 days late. Can they do this?

[Anonymous]

If T-Mobile sold it Midland would cease collection activity unless they bought it.

Where are you getting your report?  Sometimes they are just poorly formatted and you would need to go the CRA directly to get your report to see what is actually happening.

No, Midland cannot report lates but they can reflect the account status given to them by the OC.  You cannot be late with a CA.

If they are reporting you made a payment that is a violation. 

I would get my actual report to look at it.

[Ravensfan2001]

I have a copy of my Equifax report from 2/23/13 where it says that since 09/2011, pays as agreed, except 10/2012, it says collection account. Then starting 11/2012, it's pays as agreed again.

ScoreWatch (purchased today) has almost the exact same thing, except it's reported as 120 days late 10/2012.

What do I do?

[Anonymous]

Cell phones typically do not report unless you defaulted.  So how you could possibly have any pays as agreed is beyond me. 

Is the EQ report from annualcreditreport.com or from something EQ sells?

[Ravensfan2001]

I got a free report from the Equifax site because I was declined credit last month.

Can I dispute that Midland is reporting inaccurately?

[Anonymous]

Can you post a picture of the TL?  Or just cut and paste it?