I've been lurking while I was waiting for my credit reports. I knew I was going to need some help, and I'm hoping you can help me start. I've read a lot of responses to questions, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to apply them to my situation. (and forgive me for not knowing all of the TLAs yet!) Hopefully you all will be able to help me. I have an old debt on Discover, my last payment was 1997, and the SOL here (California) is 4 years. EQ still shows it as Open, with a Balance of $3200, and remarks: Charged Off Account EXP: shows closed with $0 balance, Remarks: Claim Purchased TU: shows closed $0 balance, Remarks: Purchased by another lender It is currently owned by Midland Credit Management. EQ is listing them TWICE, with the same account number, both Open and both with a balance of $5241 (????) EXP: lists it as Closed, with the $5241 balance, Opened January 2000 (when they bought it?) Remark: assigned to attorney, collection agency, or credit grantor's internal collection department TU: shows it Open, $5241 balance, Opened Jan. 2000, remark: Collection Account Is the fact that EQ listing both Discover and MCM with a balance basically a duplicate? What about the 2 listings for MCM? Also, doesn't the SOL run from the OC or did it start all over when MCM bought it? This is one of many things to clean on my CR, but one that I think will make the most impact. TIA for any help! Chris EQ 601 EXP 658 TU 658
Well, I'm hoping this was just missed because the board moves so fast. Can anyone tell me where I should start with getting this cleaned up? Do I start with the CRA? Do I start with Discover? The CA? Chris
chris, ag, i'm not exactly the one to help you figure this out. i'm new, too, and trying to find my way, but i did find a post a few minutes ago--by 'mtnair'--entitled "where to start?" where someone suggested that mtnair dispute old addresses FIRST because they are often tied to old accounts, and so once they are gone, it makes disputes and validations go much more smoothly on these older accounts. the addresses they would have linked to are no longer listed on your reports... so, although i know little, i half responded to point you to that thread and half to bump yours up again because i'd also like to have a good idea on how to start in on the big ones on my credit reports... good luck!
Climbinout, I have the SAME situation you have. I have a Discover debt (dla is 5/1997) that MCM owns now. I have not been able to get it off my reports. I have tried everything; removing addresses, validation (which they failed to provide correctly), etc. If you can find a way to get it removed, please share it with me. In 13 months, I've gotten nowhere, and so has Junum. This one unpaid collection is the only bad thing left (unpaid) on my Experian report, and its holding me back.
Thanks to you both. Erica, what have you tried so far? Perhaps it will save me a few steps as I am just starting this process. Just on the issue of EQ showing the old Discover account as Open, and listing Midland twice, seems I could dispute something here. I just don't know if I go directly to EQ or start with Discover. Chris
I had discover deleted from Experian because they were reporting it and so was MCM. Under FCRA, the debt can only be reported once. Since they were both showing a balance, that was easy. Now, the hard part is MCM. They verify every time I dispute with CRA's. I sent them a validation letter, and they sent a signed copy of the application. (not proper validation BTW) so I sent them a follow up letter. Haven't heard from them since. Last month, there was a law firm's inquiry on my CR, so I dropped it. I don't want to get sued. I'm going to leave well enough alone. It's only 2 more years, and I'm not going to pay it.
Erica, I think I have the same one inquiring on mine. In my case, since the SOL has passed, I'm not too concerned. Even if they try to sue, they can't collect. Sounds like we're in pretty much the same boat. I'll let you know if I have any luck on this one! Chris
Was it Upton Cohen & Slamowitz? The SOL is up where I live now, so I'm not worried, but I don't want to have to explain to my employer why I have to go to court (need a day off). BTW, SOL is only an affirmative defense, you need to raise it in court. Good Luck.
yes, I have the same problem, I am trying to get Discover to change their reporting by settling with them, but they won't budge on reporting anything better than an R9 account. Anyone know where I can get a validation letter to the original creditor? I would like to try this. My Discover Account is from 1996. The SOL is expired so I am not worried either
