A few years ago, I moved out of an apartment for which there was no lease in my name. My roommate stayed, and ended up getting evicted. Somehow a collector got ahold of my name and contacted me. I didn't know the rules or protections that were in place. The account was about $3300. After speaking with the CA a few times, we worked out a deal where he would stop bothering me if I paid him some money, which came out to be about $900. The account never showed up on my CRs during or after the alleged delinquency. Now, there is a new TL on my EQ CR for about $2400, from a different CA that must have bought the debt. It has been on my report since over a year ago. I have not had a single phone call or piece of mail from this creditor. I can't imagine that they don't have my mailing address or phone number, as the previous CA had both. Why wouldn't they attempt to contact me? Would it make sense to dispute as not mine? Or should I send a DV letter? I know for 100% sure that they would not be able to validate, as I never signed a lease agreement.
First, send the DV letter; statevery clearly that you never received any notification from them . Second, if you have any records from the first CA that this account was settled, you'll need to find it, and have it ready. I would also call the first CA and inquire as to why they sold off this debt balance after settling. I would then follow up with a written statement to the first CA. Was there originally a lease on the apartment? Whose name(s) was it in? I think you have an excellent chance of removal of this account, it will just take some work and time.
