Public Records, Collections, just ugly! Help!

[AprilShowers4]

Hi everyone!

I have a question. I experienced financial difficulty about two years ago. As a result, I was evicted, sued by asset acceptance, and I also have two collections on my report. One from the apartment that evicted me and one from att, from an old phone bill that will off in 2014, according to experian. Now I don't want to be sued by the collection agency collecting for my old apt, its like 2300 that I owe. I just want to know how to handle this? Should I contact them to make an arrangement of some sort. Honestly, Im still not in any position to have another bill to pay, but I dont want another public record. I also would like to know is it easier to obtain credit once these items get older? Thanks, any advice is welcome!

[Anonymous]

Your first line of defense should be to negotiate with the one collecting the debt.  Maybe you can get a small monthly payment negotiated.  At least they will see that you're not being purposefully negligent and that you're trying to right an unfortunate wrong.  Paying off your debt might hurt your credit score a bit because it will show up as your most recent transaction, but your debt to income ratio will improve. But before you pay anything, negotiate!!! 

[Anonymous]

I just had a $6000 collection from asset deleted by going to the bbb & filed a complaint. Got my letter 4 days later saying its being removed of all 3 bureaus.

[Anonymous]

Where on the BBB site do you go to dispute these things?

[Anonymous]

Go to the main bbb site & do a search for company (I.e. asset acceptance). It will redirect you to their states site & just file a complaint under their name. I got results in 4 days.

[RobertEG]

Remember, however, that a BBB has no standing to take any enforcement action under the FCRA on behalf of a consumer.  That is delegated to the FTC.

They are certainly an effective organization, with their influence based on the desire of the business to retain good standing.

If there is a chance that you might ultimately have to resort to your own legal action, you should additionally consider filing a complaint with the FTC.

Courts are prevented from awarding monetary damages for intentional or negligent reporting unless the party has first been enjoined by the FTC.

[Anonymous]

It was the final thing I did after I exhausted all other efforts. I sent letters to the creditor along with court documents & to the bureaus without any response. I also had legal proof the debt was not my responsibility. The more you have to show the bbb the easier it will be.