I'm going to dispute the incorrect "date of last delinquency" on a 7 year old collection account. My credit report states that it has only been 6 years since first delinquency. Should I do this online or through the mail? I've checked with all 3 bureaus and none of the online dispute forms provide me with the "date of last delinquency" option. If I go through the mail, should my letter be simple stating that the date of last delinquency is incorrect and I would like the collection account removed from my credit report? Also, send CMRRR? Thanks, Tim
I would always dispute through the mail, CMRRR. Like you said, keep it very simple and direct. Those are the most effective dispute letters.
Success So I called TransUnion on 9/15 about some questions I had with my Credit Monitoring. While on the phone with a rep, I asked about disputing the delinquency date on a $1200, 7 year old collection account. She said she could accept my verbal dispute and proceed with an investigation. I received a letter from TransUnion yesterday (9/24) that is dated 9/18 with the results: Deleted!! I thought these CA's had 30 or 45 days. How could the investigation be done in 3 days. So my next step is to get this deleted from the other 2 CRA's. Should I try it over the phone again? Also, should I mention anything about it being deleted from my TransUnion report? Thanks, Tim
I don't know this for a fact, but I get the impression that TU get's some of their information from other credit bureaus. I've talked to my credit union and they said the report ONLY to Equifax. So, my account from them would appear on Equifax and then a month or two later, it would show up on TU. So, if they're getting their information 2nd hand, they really can't confirm it directly so they have to delete it once it's disputed. So, you might see some TU tradelines disappear quickly if they are these 2nd hand tradelines. If they are tradelines that were reported directly to TU, then they might take longer. That said, if the creditor or CA sends the validation information right after they receive the inquiry, it could be confirmed (or corrected) rather quickly.
That's an interesting observation ccbob. I do have a TL on my report where TU is always reporting 1 month behind Equifax and Experian. It seems to be a legitimate possibility. I did talk with a friend today who says he's been in a similar situation. He disputed a judgement and it was removed from TU. Shortly after, it was verified through Equifax. He wrote Equifax saying that TU couldn't verify it and removed it, therefore, he wanted a reinvestigation and explanation as to how they were able to verify it. He claims it was removed shortly after. This seems to be a situation that you explained in a recent post where the CRAs will choose expediancy over thoroughness, but we need to hold them accountable. I'm going to give this a try. I'll be sure to post my results. Tim
