Steps to resolving collection accounts

[bassethoundmom]

Hello,

I have read soooo much information on this topic that I have become confused!  I ran all three reports yesterday and have several collection accounts that need to be addressed.  I am only working on the most recent one today which is, OC Direct TV, CA Focus Receivables Management.  I went onto the CA website and from the verbage I would say that they do not own this account but that is just an assumption on my part.  I printed out a DV letter and plan to mail that today CMRRR unless someone tells me otherwise. 

My questions are: 

1. I missed the 30 day mark, so can I still send the DV
2. Should I try contacting OC before sending the DV to CA or does it matter?
3. Has anyone worked with this CA?  Do they accept PFD's?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

What is the DOFD on the account???...and what is your SOL???...after that...DV the CA CMRRR...if they validate...send them a PFD letter...

...but...the thing that matter is...are the ASSIGNED to collect the debt...or did they PURCHASE the debt???...if they are assigned...send the OC...a PFD letter...asking for removal of the late payment...and an agreement to pull the account out of collections...
assuming both are on your reports...but try to pay the OC first....unless they tell you...you have to deal with the CA...

[bassethoundmom]

Thank you Sly House,

So how do I find out if it's assigned or sold?  I thought that we should not call the CA on the phone.  Is it okay to call Direct TV? 

[Anonymous]

It usually says..."transferred/sold to another lender"...on the bottom of the TL...that's why you need the reports...from the CRAs themselves...they will have a lot more info...than the myFICO report...

and YES you can call Direct TV...they are the OC...not the CA...

[bassethoundmom]

Slyhouse,

Also, the DOFD is not reported on my Fico report.  The only date listed is the date assigned which is 12/10/07.  Thanks

[Anonymous]

why is it better to have the account with the OC and not the CA. Is there a big difference?

[Anonymous]

That's just double reporting...if the OC is reporting...as a CO...or whatever...that's bad enough...then when the Ca reports...you have a CO...and a collection...double whammy...

[Anonymous]

now i understand, thanks

[bassethoundmom]

Slyhouse,

Well, I spoke to Direct TV, they were willing to take my payment with a verbal PFD but then when I asked where I could fax a confirmation of the agreement they said I would have to go through the CA.  I tried to explain that I was not looking for the CA to update as Paid but instead to delete the account completely.  They told me they sold the account to the CA however, they are willing to take my money????  Hmm, I don't know if the person I was speaking to misunderstood or if it's really sold?

[Anonymous]

I tell you, you learn something new everyday.

So the OC and the CA can both report deliquent info on the same acct?  That doesn't seem right!

If the OC has transferred your info to a CA does the OC still own the acct, if so should you contact the OC for the PFD?