I disputed a Dillards account that claimed I was 60 days late in 4/99 and 5/99 - results came back today as updated, Never late. (Started the dispute on 1/12). My score only went up 2 points, but I'm elated! Results like this is what gives me hope of hitting the 700 club! BTW - The dispute was with with Experian and was done on-line (Never late). I'm about to write a letter to both Equifax and TU to see if they'll do the same. So please excuse me while I yell in happiness GT
U go GT! you will see an increase in your score in the near future. That will help, no matter how big or small it will help! In credit repair, there is no such thing as a small victory, its a MAJOR victory! Congrats!
Thanks Doc - You have no idea how much I owe what I've learned the past few weeks to you. I'm curious - that goodwill letter I sent to Sears?? Well, they signed for it on the 11th and I've yet to receive anything back, nor has anything changed. Should I hold off until it's been say 30 days before doing anything? Only reason I ask is because it's pretty late (180 days - 12/99). I'm hoping since the account is now paid off and wasn't late since that they'll be good citizens, but just in case, would you advise I then dispute it with the CRA's?? GT
Wow, thanks for the kind word. As for Sears, they take their time regarding the goodwill adjustments. I keep notes on my computer whenever I make a call, so hopefully my experience will help you with respect to pacing: 10/23/2001, 1:05 p.m., spoke with Sharon via telephone customer service. I said that I had disputed something about my account (the way the APR was figured) in 1998 and as a result did not pay the bill 7/98, 8/98, and 9/98. She said she would write it up and find out if Sears would do a "goodwill adjustment" and that I should hear something back within 7-10 days. 11/6/2001, 2:53 p.m., spoke with Jeanette. Explained I let this get behind at the time and wanted to find out about the "goodwill adjustment" Sharon had mentioned. She was encouraging, mentioned that there were several parameters that would be evaluated -- i.e., no other goodwill adjustments in the last 24 months, the length of time I've had the account, among other criteria. She also said the account was still being investigated regarding this request and that she would have a letter sent to me when the decision was made. 11/22/2001, 2:13 p.m., spoke with Joyce in customer service. She said her screen showed that a decision was made regarding "goodwill adjustment" however she couldn't tell which way the decision went, adding that a letter was sent out to me on the 11/16/2001 (although I've not received it). 11/22/2001, 3:57 p.m., called Sears National Bank, Tempe, AZ (480-804-5600), and the executive who answered looked up my account and confirmed for me that the account history has been cleared of negatives, so evidently the "goodwill adjustment" was granted. Interestingly the negatives were removed from all three CRAs within a few weeks (Experian was super-fast), although I NEVER did receive that letter. Anyway, give it some time before checking. However, note the phone number in that last note -- it's actually a line to the Sears-owned bank. When I talked to the guy, he chuckled and said he never gets to talk to consumers since they farm that out to a call center. Hope this is helpful. Doc
Just called Sears, they said it's been reviewed since the 19th and that I give them a few more days before calling back. No rush, at least they're considering it. I noticed TU doesn't have Sears on there so I'm curious if Sears makes the adjustments will my score reflect what TU shows?? I also got the green card back from the collector using the letter you posted. I sent it out on the 12th (Could have delivered it - collection company is only 5 miles away from me), was finally signed for on the 21st. I think they kept the card laying around debating about whether or not it had a payment inside. Guess they weren't too happy when they opened it up and saw your letter and no money - Have to admit, whoever signed the card has good handwriting... GT
