You'll want to follow the HIPAA process outlined on several threads TO THE LETTER.  Essentially:   ** DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE CA **   1. Send Pre-HIPAA letter to CRAs reporting the CO. 2. After validation, send HIPAA letter to OC with proper insert (usually if you're paying it, #1.) 3. Wait for deletion. If the check has cleared and you haven't seen your CO deleted within 30 days, post here again. ... View more

That's fantastic... I was worried wanting to break 600 by December was too lofty a goal, but you've inspired me!!! ... View more

Wow. I just sent off my pre-hipaa letters today... I will probably receive the same response.  How long did it take to get them. Have the others responded yet? ... View more

you pay for a portion of the item up front... if you login with your info it will tell you how much the item is. I looked at cheap $40 rings and the down payment was $8 or $9... so not much. Then there is shipping and handling. I don't know how much that is. So you pay that, and the remainder of the costs are put onto your card. The card doesn't report until you buy something. The down payment is why there is no credit check... ... View more

Does anyone have experience contacting the CA first (by mistake) and still having the OC remove the debt? ... View more

Definitely anxious to get it over and done with. The hardest thing for me is having to wait for a lot of this stuff to update. I have the money to pay the debt now, seems silly to have to go through this process in order to get it removed. :-( ... View more

It looks like after 6 months that my $2500 down payment-oriented account will switch to a $500 limit no-deposit account. Won't this kill my util? Is there any way to keep it as a down payment-oriented account so as to keep the high limit? ... View more

Also, check at the top of these forums, you'll find links ot the HIPAA letters there. :-) ... View more

I agree, there are no easy steps listed and the HIPAA process is very confusing!! I just posted the steps of the process and had it clarified by a mod in this thread:   http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?board.id=rebuildingcredit&thread.id=21308   Good luck!!! ... View more

I've read on various posts here that with good accounts you can send a letter to the CRA that isn't reporting with a copy of the statement and ask them to add it. Then, they only need to verify with the OC, such as CJ. Is that true? ... View more

Just approved!!! $2,500 limit!! :-) ... View more

I did not DV the CA... I sent the PFD letter (see below) and told them if they didn't respond within 10 days I *would* DV.  I spoke with a woman on the phone (I know, I know, I learned from this not to talk to them on the phone) who told me they were sending validation (though I never requested it)   Agh, did I ruin my chances?  I sent pre-HIPAA letter to 3 CRAs just now... I hope I didn't waste the money to do so. :-(  Very worried!!!     This letter is to inform you that the validity of this debt is disputed. I am not sure of the account number, as I have never heard from you regarding this account. The account number I have is the one listed on my Trans Union credit report – which omits the last few digits. In the spirit of compromise, I am willing to pay this account IN FULL if you agree to immediate deletion of this account from any and all credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The purpose of this settlement is merely to have this item removed from my credit files. It is not to be construed as an acknowledgment of liability for this debt in any form. If you agree to the terms and accept this agreement, certified funds for the settlement amount of four hundred forty-eight dollars ($448.00) will be sent to XXX in exchange for full deletion of ALL references regarding this account from my credit files and full satisfaction of the debt. Collection Agency agrees to delete ALL information regarding this account from the credit reporting agencies WITHIN TEN CALENDAR (10) DAYS following receipt of payment as specified above and will not discuss the terms of this settlement with anyone, excluding your client on this account. If contacted by any third party, including credit-reporting agencies, Collection Agency will not acknowledge that any settlement offer was made, accepted or executed and will, in fact, deny knowledge of any such account. If you agree to the above terms, please prepare a letter on your company letterhead explicity agreeing to the same terms as the above settlement offer and have it signed by an authorized representative of Collection Agency. It will be implied that this letter shall constitute a legally binding contract, enforceable under the laws of my state. Your response must be postmarked no later than 15 days from your receipt of this settlement offer or this offer will be withdrawn and I will request full validation of this alleged debt, as provided for by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Please address all correspondence regarding this account to:     ... View more

I chose the people of this forum over the CA I was dealing with, who said the same thing. It just isn't worth the risk IMO... and I agree (learned from experience), don't talk to CAs over the phone! :-) ... View more

I'd like to hit  the 600 mark on all FICOs... am I a dreamer? ... View more

Ok, sent! :-)  Do I need to wait the full 30 days or can I send HIPPA notices to the OC as soon as I hear back from all 3 CRAs? ... View more

Is it necesarry to send these CMRRR? I'd rather save the money if possible and as I'm sending to CRAs I don't know if this is necessary... if not, can I fax them? ... View more

Just want to make sure I understand this correctly:   1. Write Pre-HIPPA to CRA requesting dispute. 2. Once debt is DV'd, then send Hippa letter with check to OC. 3. Once check is cashed, debt should be deleted, if not, send additional HIPPA letter.   I sent a PFD to CA, am I out of luck w/ HIPPA?    :-( ... View more

agh, I contacted the CA by mail and by phone. :-(  am I out of luck with any HIPPA complaint? ... View more

I've read through all the HIPPA info, I simply don't understand it.   The debt is mine, I never paid it, I asked CA for PFD and they accepted over the phone, but refused to send written documentation until AFTER I paid. I don't have any idea what my next step is...   How do I get them to remove something that is my valid debt? I did state in the letter that if they don't accept in writing within 15 days I will request DV. I don't really see the point in DV though as I know the debt is mine. ... View more

Ok, so I should deal with the OC only? ... View more