I have an old utility bill for a small amount that I'm going to pay off. It is currently listed with a CA and is reflected on my credit report. What are the steps I should take with the CA in order to 1.) Pay off the debt 2.) Ensure that the debt is [hopefully] removed from my CR or at least reflects the 'paid' status. What I'm trying to avoid is paying the debt without having the CR updated as it should be. The CA is Mercantile if that helps.
DV the CA first. If it's properly verified, offer in writing to pay in full for a complete deletion. You don't want a "paid" collection on your credit reports. It's just as damaging to your credit scores as an unpaid collection. Also, make sure you don't pay anything until you have the final agreement in writing.
Also I once you have it in writing ,on the check or certified funds . Put a restrictive endorsing note . This is binding .
Are you saying to write something on the check like "CA agrees to delete from report"? That isn't necessarily binding, but is a popular rumor on some credit forums. Courts have upheld that simply writing something on a deposited check ("payment in full") doesn't make it binding. The case I'm thinking of in particular stated that this was because the CA processes payments mechanically and has no reasonable chance of knowing that such a demand existed, let alone abiding by it.
