I was recently declinded for a amex student card because Equifax reported to them that I have 2 unpaid collections on my report. This is not true. I have called the OC and their collection agency and both said they have no file for me. I have contacted Equifax to receive a "hard" copy of my report via US Mail. However when I pull my report online it doesnt show any such collection, simply because their isint one. The paper copy shouldn't show on either. I have gotten a copy of my report thru CSC in the past, an affilate of EQ and it has never showed such a thing. So whats next ? Im pretty much lost here. If I get the report from EQ and it does show collections what should I do/say ? Of course I'll dispute them - but if it doesnt show them what do I do ? Equifax is now telling me (by my online report) that I have no collections but are reporting to Amex that I do. Frustrating!!!
Do you by chance have a relative with the same name? If so, it may be possible something that is theirs got put on yours.
Thats what I thought and explained that to the OC and the Collection Agency. They still assured me that they have no file in my name there, or by my social security number. The hospital (the OC) says that I was a patient on a couple of files that has been sent to collection but I was not the guarantor (spelling) so I am not responsible. ???? My brother , father , and I both share the same first and last name. However all of us have different middle names. I just am really not all that certain of what to do. Hopefully that EQ report will arrive quickly.
Thats pretty much what I told them, they refused that statement. The CA told me "The creditor recently denying you credit probably pulled the first things with a similar name and is using that against you." I told Amex that and they told me that they pull based on the information I gave them on my application, blah. b l a h
I REALLY hope I'm wrong about this but I've suspected the next, most logical step of blatent violation from the CRA's would be to reveal information to a potential creditor that we ourselves cannot get. IMHO it's the logical next step after purposely deleting positive TL's. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new trend. Demand a copy of the report received by Amex. under the auspices that you're having a very specific problem and need their help. You also might get a letter from the OC and CA stating there is no account in your name or SSN. While you're waiting for that stuff to arrive it'll give you time to get your hardcopy of your CR. Once all this info. is in we can formulate a strategy. Get ready Eric, you may need to file a lawsuit on this one. Keep PERFECT records.
Hmm thanks for the info. I've already requested a copy of my report from EQ to be sent US mail. Since im in a affilate area I wonder if I will actually receive a copy from EQ or from CSC , the affiliate ? I'll also call Amex tommorrow and see if they'll send me the report they received although I doubt they will. Also tomorrow I will get a statement from the Hospital and from the hospitals CA. Hopefully this will not come to a lawysuit but if it does, like you said I better be ready.
Well today I received my credit report, from CSC. I pretty much already know that it wouldnt be from EQ direct since im in a affilate area. As expected it shows NO collections. So what now ? Im lost - Thanks!
Well I called American Express AGAIN. They are such a PITA. They said that even if I mail them my report they will request it again from Equifax to ensure the information with both copies match. I told them that My report was from CSC credit services not from Equifax. She said it has to be from Equifax direct. I explained to her that I cannot get my report from EQ direct because they do net serve my state, the EQ affiliate CSC does. She was like okay, just note that on the report you mail or fax us. CSC is imposisble to get ahold of , I tried calling them just to get their opinion on this and to make sure I do not have two files there or something. So even after mailing or faxing this to American Express their going to pull another report from Equifax (this will be the 3rd.) Is it even worth it ? What are the chances of that "collection" showing up AGAIN ? I really dont know if I should pursue this or not, what do you guys think ? And would you mail or fax this report ? Thanks!
Oh yeah I asked her if this was the only reason I was being denied , she said yes. So I said if it wasnt for this bogus collection showing up than I'd already have the card by now. She said "yes sir." hmmmmmmmmmm
Eric, I thought that if any info was disputed and deleted that Equifax would send an updated copy(at your request) to any creditor that obtained your report? So why would they need to pull it a third time?
I have no collections showing on the reports that I Receive however American Express continues to decline me saying I do. ON ALL credit reports I have ever received a collection has NEVER been noted. Therefore I have never disputed them, nothing to dispute. :X Very frustrating!
If I do mail my report to American Express and pursue this further I am going to enclose thefollowing letter. Sorry so long! What do you gusy think, im totally lost as to what to do about this. :ersonal info removed, Edited to properly fit onto CN:: -------------------------- To Whom It May Concern - On or around 8/31/2002 I applied for a American Express card for students. Much to my surprise I was declined for the card, citing the reason for denial as two (2) Collections being listed on my consumer credit report. These two collections were from Eric2OO2's Hospital, and Radiology PSC as told by your customer service Representative. These were totally unknown to me, and do not reside on my credit report. On or around the 6th of September American Express received a fax of my credit report From Equifax Credit Services , which was printed from Credit watch, a service offered Thru Equifax Credit Services. This report clearly showed that I have no collections on myCredit report. However another inquiry was noted on my credit report as you will see on Enclosed copy, dated September 6th. During your reconsideration of my application I was Once again denied, citing the same collections being reported on my credit report. These Collections do not show on the copies of the credit reports I have received thru all of the Three major credit reporting agencies. While further investigating this I contacted Eric2OO2's hospital, and Radiology PSC and was told by them that I have no outstanding bills with them, but to contact their credit agency to be 100% certain.I indeed did contact Cornerstone Enterprises , of Owensboro Kentucky , Eric2OO2's hospital's credit agency and was assured that I have no collection file with them. American Express continues to decline my application for credit, based on these inaccurate accusations , as you say are reported to you thru Equifax Consumer Services. I have enclosed a copy of my Equifax credit report, dated September 6th, 2002. You will notice that the header of this report contains the company name CSC Evansville and not Equifax directly. CSC Evansville is affiliate of Equifax and the only way I can obtain my Equifax credit file. When contacting Equifax directly I receive my report from CSC Evansville because they in whole or portion own my credit report, and the only company representing my state as an affiliate of Equifax. . In closing Iâ??d like to say that I never thought obtaining credit thru American Express would be so greatly frustrating and difficult, being that I have untarnished Credit history. Obviously there is some type of problem with you obtaining my correctcredit history, that not of my fathers or brothers who have similar names. Please be assured that you are indeed pulling my credit history, name James Eric Spence.If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. I look forward to hearing from you, and will be anticipating a approvingCredit decision. Thank you for your time. Respectively, Eric2OO2
Eric, I like your letter. I do think you could be a little more clear as to what it is EXACTLY that you want from them. ie. Please send me a detailed letter explaining exactly why you've denied me and a copy of the report you get. etc. etc. I would also stipulate that you're NOT giving them permission to pull another CR at this time. also it's Respectfully not respectively.
LOL okay, thanks! Do you think I should even bother with this or no ? Should I waste another inquiry with the odds that this "collection" will show again ? Also I had two reps. tell me that multiple inquires from the same company in a short period of time will not affect my credit. hmmmmmmmmm
Oh yes I think you should. It may be that you have a massive lawsuit potential here. You now have 3 hards from Amex without a matching account. You need documentation to prove your position to show the next potential creditor why these are on there and the problems you've had. Working on this issue now does 2 things; 1) It protects your future 2) You may be able to get it resolved while it's a fresh issue in the mind of Amex Don't let this rest because believe me, as soon as this gets straightened up it'll be somethin else. We'll help you. Trim your letter down to the bare bones minimum. Knock out all the unnecessary words and state the pure facts. Then demand information from Amex, in writting. Keep us posted.
Thanks for the information. I added what you thought I should to the letter above and I believe thats about as far as it can be triimmed while stating what needs to be said. I highly doubt Amex will send me the detailed letter, much less a copy of the report they received. We'll see though I suppose. Should I mail this letter just first class or certified ? Im getting really tired of messing with this company. I have 2 hards from them now, when they pull again it'll make the 3rd. Hope my score doesnt drop!
Send CRRR. By the way - If it were my case ya know what I'd tell Amex? I'd say something like; There may be a lawsuit filed. If you don't cooperate with me you'll be included in the suit because I have no way of knowing who's BSing me. Just a thought.
