So I sent an email on 09/13/14 (no response) and 09/20/2014 to the "recovery team" requesting a goodwill deletion for a paid off collection account with AT&T U-Verse.
The response I received on 09/20/14 was as follows: "Dear Xxxxx,
Afni thanks you for your payment. Accordingly, in the normal course of business, Afni will report that that we have received payment in full of your account, and will report a $0 balance. This will reflect the accurate status of this account. We understand that you are seeking removal of this tradeline from your credit report; however, to remain in good standing with the credit reporting agencies, Afni’s policy is to furnish the accurate status only
Consumer Relations Specialist
Recovery Team │ Receivables Management
Fast forward to today (09/28/14) - I just received a Credit Karma notification stating the Afni collection account has been removed from my report. I'll be checking all three reports within the next few days to verify as well! This totally just made my day - I just took a chance and sent an email and it actually worked!!
The exact email I sent is as follows: "
September 20, 2014
Afni, Inc.
P.O. Box 3427
Bloomington, IL 61702-3427
Email:
[email protected]RE: Account XXXXXXXXXX
Original Creditor: AT&T U-Verse
To Whom It May Concern:
In 2011 I opened an AT&T U-Verse account and according to my credit report, your company purchased the debt in 2014. The original balance of my debt was $109 which has been paid in full plus processing fees which makes the total amount PAID IN FULL TOTAL $114.33 as of 06/12/2014 (I have attached a screenshot of the payment).
After I cancelled the AT&T U-Verse service due to me relocating, I assumed the payment I made over the phone at the time of cancellation would be my last payment. If I would have known that they would send a final bill to my previous (incorrect) address I definitely would have paid the balance in full as I have done so with you all.
Since I have paid the account in full (plus processing fees), could you please completely remove your record from all of my credit reports or send me a letter authorizing the removal? I am in the process of trying to purchase a home and I have no negative marks on my reports anymore besides this one. In fact, I only have a car loan and student loans, all of which are in good standing. I would so greatly appreciate your help and understand that any correspondence and assistance you give me would be out of your kindness and good will.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide to affect to your decision and please also to contact me by phone or email if need be. Thank you.
Sincerely,
First Name Last Name
PH:
Email:
Mailing:
"
