Hi, I'm bryan(screenname johhny5), my credit stinks because I was a fool and I'm here to learn. My goal is to try to buy a house in one year and get an unsecured card in 6mo to a year. Also wanted to say thanks to the senior members for their time and effort to help guys like myself. As per the required reading I have pulled my reports, but I am still confused: 1.So if I understand correctly, I send disputes to CAs and verification to CRAs using the "sample letter section" accordingly? 2. Can I post my negative accounts and someone look at them...I am not sure which is an OC or a CA and I read that I have to deal with these people differently? There are six "bads" in total and don't want to screw myself before I even get started. thanks for reading
I wouldn't - the sample letters here are terrible and outdated. You are better off writing your own. If you do, redact all identifying information such as acct #s, etc. If you have your reports directly from the CRAs, you can probably identify a CA from an OC by looking at the description. A CA will "generally" identify the original creditor, and be labelled a collection. thanks for reading[/QUOTE]
Actually you submit "disputes" to the CRAs (credit reporting agencies), and request "validation" from the CAs (Collection Agencies). There is a difference. Also, take some time to read the Fair Credit Reporting Act, especially the section on consumer disputes. There are outlined processes to follow (so as to protect your rights), some do not make intuitive sense, hence the need to be aware, and follow them. As jlynn stated, it is helpful to see the actual data, but exercise caution so as not to post any personal information.
Thanks for the replies. I will read the Fair Credit Reporting Act and post the accounts that I want to "fix" making sure to redact all identifying information such as acct #s, etc. I gotta get some dinner, long day at work.
