Hi sweets2323, I split your post to form a new thread found here. I had to change the subject line but changed nothing else. If you'd like to change it to something else, feel free to click "Options" and then "Edit Message" to make that change.
When I first started repair, I also was under the impression that it was best to dispute everything and everything, so I thought, would go away. In fact, there are other forums out there that advocate this and I clearly remember receiving advice elsewhere (not here thank goodness) that it was best to do that. So I did. I disputed everything, even the good accounts. I figured it was best to start with a clean slate (note: stupid thinking).
There were a number of negative things that happened to me when I disputed the bad (accurate) stuff:
1) They were verified.
2) Disputing made it harder to remove in the future via legit means (DVs, GWs, PFDs, etc.).
3) Disputing resulted in making the TL look worse than what it was before the dispute (updated DOLA, added lates, etc.).
4) Disputing led to increased collection activity via calls, letters, etc.
5) Disputing almost got me sued (I awoke a sleeping baddie and had to PIF to avoid a judgment).
6) Disputing will lead to the CRAs giving your updated info, address, phone number, etc to the baddie.
7) Disputing led to a frivolous disputer charge by the CRA.
8) Disputing led to a fraud alert.
9) Disputing dropped my FICO scores.
and 10)...this never happened to me but I read in these forums in at least one case a dispute resulted in a split file.
I'd suggest reading What Steps Do I Take - great for learning the repair process.
And I'm not saying to never dispute. I've had TLs intentionally or unintentionally misreport and dispute can be used to fix that (though should be a last resort). But advocating or suggesting disputing on these forums goes against the Terms of this site for unethical credit repair. Though there's nothing wrong with talking about it in this context (e.g. open discussion on the rights and wrongs).
Leave those merchant (store?) accounts alone!!!!! Per your FICO (and via your lender) it doesn't matter who closed it so as long as it isn't negative (e.g. settled, charged-off, etc.). They'll continue to help your score for as long as they report (for 10 years from date of closure).
Any negative TLs cannot report, per the FCRA, beyond 7 yrs. Double check to make sure they are negative if older than 7 yrs. The clock starts from the DOFD or from the date of that late. If these are CAs, send a GW asking for deletion. If an OC, weigh the age vs. your AAoA on that report and make a decision based on that. Remember, any lates beyond 7 yrs must go away.
Yes the inquiries impact you...for only one year (they'll report for two but has no bearing on your score after 1 yr). You could send a non-PP letter, but if it could be an active collection, I'd wait otherwise you might have a new collection report.
