Removing Paid Collection?

[jm247]

I have one paid collection on my credit report (the only negative on there).  My friend is an attorney and wrote up a DV letter for me (thought I couldn't do that since it shows 'paid', but whatever - and a GW letter didn't work). 

My DV letter asked for several items:

Identify the original creditor;

Explain what that collection item was for;

Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;

Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;

Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account

Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state (California)

Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent

The CA sent me a letter that did not include any of what was asked for.  The only thing they said was that it was paid and shows as paid on my credit report.

My friend now says that she can send a second letter to them outlining that they have violated FCRA, and that it will work to delete it once it's sent to the CRAs as well.  I do trust her, but I'm a little weary as well.  Do you guys have any input?  Thanks so much.

[203bravo]

Not exactly sure what she's attempting to accomplish - you validated the debt when you paid it.  At this point they are not in violation of the statues.

[jm247]

Some background - the debt was for a tuition payment to my university, which was paid LONG before it went to collection.  I even graduated and received my degree before it went to collection.  The university won't budge (even though I have proof of payment/dates, etc), so she thought it would work to go directly to the CA instead. 

This whole thing is so ridiculous since no university hands someone their bachelors degree with an unpaid debt.

I guess I should try other avenues with the university.  I really don't know, I may just be screwed.

[Anonymous]

I would write a goodwill letter. Basically explain your circumstances and tell them that you paid the debt and ask them to remove it. If you search around here there are plenty of examples of goodwill letters. Like the other poster stated, you valided it when you paid it. 

[MarineVietVet]

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@jm247 wrote:

I have one paid collection on my credit report (the only negative on there).  My friend is an attorney and wrote up a DV letter for me (thought I couldn't do that since it shows 'paid', but whatever - and a GW letter didn't work). 

My DV letter asked for several items:

Identify the original creditor;

Explain what that collection item was for;

Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;

Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;

Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account

Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state (California)

Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent

The CA sent me a letter that did not include any of what was asked for.  The only thing they said was that it was paid and shows as paid on my credit report.

My friend now says that she can send a second letter to them outlining that they have violated FCRA, and that it will work to delete it once it's sent to the CRAs as well.  I do trust her, but I'm a little weary as well.  Do you guys have any input?  Thanks so much.

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Since this is paid a DV letter is not appropriate and the CA didn't have anything to legally respond to. How can they validate a debt that's already been paid? By paying this your only option now is to try GW letters to get it removed early.

Exactly what violations of the FCRA are involved with this? With all due respect this attorney friend of yours sounds like they are out of their element.

Just my 2 cents.

From a BK years ago to:
EX - 9/09 pulled by lender 802, EQ - 2/11-816, TU - 2/11-782

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem".

[Anonymous]

You haven't paid the collection agency? If you haven't paid them, I would send over a letter with your proof of payment to the original creditor and state that the debt was already paid in full to the original creditor. I was in a similar situation with Express. I got the CA to remove after talking to them on the phone and faxing them the proof of payment. 

[jm247]

Great, thanks everyone for the feedback.  I will give your suggestions a try.