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closing a collection dropped score 12 points?

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Anonymous
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closing a collection dropped score 12 points?

So I've had s collection account on my report that has been paid off for three months now. The balance would report as zero but the account status was open - collection. I figured this was hurting my score so I disputed it trying to get them to remove it but all they did was update it from open to closed and my FICO score dropped from 652 to 640. Why?
Message 1 of 7
6 REPLIES 6
olehammer
Frequent Contributor

Re: closing a collection dropped score 12 points?

Hi cy1215.  As long as the collection remains you won't really have a score impact, regardless of open or closed status.   The score change was likely driven by other factors.


Message 2 of 7
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: closing a collection dropped score 12 points?

But nothing else changed. that was literally the only thing that reported differently on my reports
Message 3 of 7
AndySoCal
Senior Contributor

Re: closing a collection dropped score 12 points?

If the word open shows as the account type it is not referrring to the status of  the acount like pen or closed. The account type open is used for some credit card accounts like some  Amex acounts where the balance is due in full each month. The same account type is used for collection accounts meaning balance is due in full. The acount being in dispute can also affect your score either in a positive or negative fashion.  IE the score may go up or down after the account goes into dispute and  go up or down  after the account is out dispute. If the account data has changed during the dispute this will also affect your score potentially.

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Message 4 of 7
Anonymous
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Re: closing a collection dropped score 12 points?

Paying it actually updates the account to the date you paid it.  to FICO its a brand new debt.  It's basically why you shouldn't pay debt collectors.  It does you no good.

Message 5 of 7
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: closing a collection dropped score 12 points?


@Anonymous wrote:

Paying it actually updates the account to the date you paid it.  to FICO its a brand new debt.  It's basically why you shouldn't pay debt collectors.  It does you no good.


If you created the debt - you should pay it. And, yes, paying your debts can lead to good things. If you did not incur the debt there are avenues to pursue. If it is yours, understand SOL, goodwill letters and open dialogue with the CA.

 

OP, what scores are you looking at? Fico or VS?

Message 6 of 7
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: closing a collection dropped score 12 points?

FICO. Dropped from 652 to 641. The only thing different was I had them change it from being reported as open to reported as closed.
Message 7 of 7
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