What is the difference between disputing "not mine" through the Credit Reporting Agencies and requesting validation from a collection agency. Is requesting validation directly from the collection agency more effective in getting debt removed? Thanks, Tim
No, they are two distinct processes. A request for re-investigation through the credit reporting agencies pursuant to the FCRA requires the CRA's to send an ACDV form to the debt collector, purchaser or original creditor. The only have to match up two data fields in order for the CRA's to allow them to verify it and they have 30 days to do so under the FCRA provision. For that reason, you NEVER want to dispute as not mine unless the account isn't because they can just verify your name and any address on your report. Dispute specific datafields such as account type, account status, date of last activity, etc.. This makes it much harder for them to verify the account, is always inaccurate and/or incomplete, and if they verify it, you have a cause of action under 1681s-2b. As for validation, that simply entails a debt collector obtaining "something" from the original creditor and sending it to you. This applies only if they wish to keep collection efforts alive and you have to submit your written request within 30 days of your initial contact with them. Otherwise, they don't have to validate an alleged debt. If the debt is far outside the window, don't contact the debt collector. You're probably off the radar. Just dispute it through the credit reporting agencies.
