I would not pay much attention to classification of a collection as recent or non-recent. It is kinda meaningless terminology.
A collection is a major derog, from the day it is posted, up to 7 1/2 years from the DOFD on the OC account that led up to the collection. Then it goes away from FICO scoring.
The date of posting of the collection would not be my concern, it would be when it goes away.
Collections remain in your CR, not based upon when they are reported, but rather based on the first date of default on the original creditor account upon which the collection was based. FCRA 605(c).
If the collection was reported approx.4 years ago, chance are that your DOFD on the OC acount was approx. 5 years ago, or longer.
Do you know the DOFD on the OC account upon which the collection was based?
As an aside, be careful with collections. Apart from FICO scoring, they can lead to legal issues, such as their bringing suit against you. That requires that you also know your state statute of limitations (SOL) as your potentail legal defense, should they file for collection of the debt in court. In most states, the same DOFD sets the clock on running of the SOL, but some states provide for reset of the SOL based on such things as prior payments, or even offers to pay.
Be careful, and good luck!
Message Edited by RobertEG on 12-28-2009 11:16 PM
