Theres a 359 dollar collection with Alpat. It is a long going dispute that I have with Orick. It seems that they cant verify the item I returned. This was placed into collection back in 2009. My question is how is this really affecting my credit score. I have over 20 credit cards reporting to experian and the others all in great status. The only bad mark on my credit report is this one derogatory remark from Alpat. Do I just let it run its course and fall off in the next 2 years or do I try and contact Oreck and negotiate a payment. Or do I have to deal with Alpat Collection. And if I have to deal with Alpat how do I get them to delete this item from my report. sincerely Seth
If you have a dispute, have you disputed the account's validity with the CA? If yes, is the account listed as being in dispute? If no, then write a letter explaining the dispute, demanding validation of the alleged debt, and let them know that you are placing them on notice that they are now a party to the dispute between you and the OC, and should litigation be needed, they will be a party to that suit.
If the debt is sold to the CA, Oreck (the OC) will not deal with you. If it's an assigned account, you may have a chance in dealing with the OC considering your unusual circumstances -- though having proof of return shipment would be nice to have. Do you happen to know your FICOs? Depending on the age and utilization on your other cards, a 5YR old collection is probably hurting your FICOs minimally....as long as the CA doesn't continue to update its reporting every month. As an example....although in another situation the debt is paid, it is possible to have a CO on your report under the 5YR mark and still have FICO's well into the 700's.
