Imagine my surprise when I went out to my mailbox this afternoon to discover that not only did Portfolio Recovery Associates delete my old GEMB/Walmart account as promised, but RJM Acquisitions has accepted my PFD offer for 35% of the existing balance on an old Target account. I'm sure my neighbors were baffled by the crazed happy dance I did on the spot.
After years of being haunted by horrible credit due to some unfortunate circumstances and a lack of knowledge on how to handle them, the clouds are finally clearing up. And I have you guys and your wealth of information to thank! You rock. Really and truly.
Having pored over the forum for the last month, I gleaned enough information to write two very successful PFD letters-- letters that were accepted the first time they were sent. So, any newbies or frustrated existing members reading this post, keep this in mind: it works. Study the forums, take notes, get contact info, and be honest/earnest in your writing. Someone, somewhere, is going to make what you want happen-- you just have to find 'em.
Oh, and one thing that has helped me in my crusade for killer credit? I bought a large day planner. Every letter mailed, email sent, phone call made, and credit score changed gets logged so that I have a timeline to refer back to as things happen. Certified mail receipts get taped onto the appropriate dates for quick reference, too. In a separate collapsible file, I keep copies of the letters I send as well as any correspondence from companies I'm contacting.
Anyhow, back to spying on your success stories to create a battle plan for my next CA conquest... 
Congratulations!! So awesome! I'm happy for you. 
OMG Ckreyn00! That is SOO awesome! I have both those accounts/creditors on my back right now. One I can definitely pay. Would you be willing to post your PFD example (or point to what you used by way of example) ? Also, how old was your debt? Mine is still "fresh" in that they're still calling me. I was only recently able to pay the one off (Target), so I've been debating what to do...
Starting Score: 464 October 2012
Hello Redhead1 and welcome to the forums.
This thread is over 2 years old. I would suggest posting a new post on the boards to get a fresh perspective.
I'd suggest reading the following:
Common Abbreviations
What Steps do I take, DV, PFD or GW
Credit Scoring 101
Good Luck!
July 2013 score: EQ FICO 819, TU08 778, EX "806 lender pull 07/26/2013
Goal Score: All Scores 760+, Newest goal 800+
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge
Current scores after adding $81K in CLs and 2 new cars since July 2013
EQ:809 TU 777 EX 790 Now it's just garden time!
June 2017 update: All scores over 820, just pure gardening now.
Oh my, I didn't even NOTICE! I'm sorry; I'll pay better attention next time.