Last issue

First post, last issue on the ol' credit report. First off, although this is my first post, I appreciate all the time and effort every has put into making this a great board. I've been lurking for quite a while.

Now, to the last problem. First the background, I'll make it short as possible!!!

Married back in the 80's (and divorced in '89), had an account with cc, whereas I think I was only an AU, although they are reporting it as a Joint account. I discovered this account back in May '97 when I applied for a home loan (subsequently approved). At the time it was 60 days late. I called the CC company, who said, yup, you are on the account. It had a balance of 1400. I said, take me off. They said they can't. I said close the account. They said they can't. I said I'll pay the entire balance right now if you close the account, they said on the ex-wife could close it, or get me off.

So, I get the home loan. I call the ex-wife, say, hey, I can't get me off, you have to do it. She said fine. I called back the CC and they said she had inquired about taking me off. So, being stupid, I decided it was a closed matter.

Well... it wasn't. She went as far as getting this charged off and collected (has a 0 balance now).

When I saw this on my report back in 2000, I simply mailed the CRA and said get it off. They said it was verified.

So now, I started the process again. Only two of the three CRAs report this account. The common factor of the two that report it is a common wrong previous address (truly a wrong previous address). So I believe that is how they are applying it back to me. Since, like I said, I truly think this was an AU, not a joint, that is why I believe they are matching by previous address, not SSN. The third doesn't have this address, and doesn't report it.

The kicker in the matter is I am a AU on another account with this company, 10 year account, perfect record. That one shows up on all three.

It hasn't bothered me in obtaining credit, as most lenders think it is an obvious mistake (only 2 of 3 show it, positive tradeline with the same company).

But, I'm going to apply for a mortgage later this year and it's the only ding on the report. Last activity was 10/97. But for whatever reason the lates show up as late as 10/98 (+120 days).

So here it what I planned to do:
1. Ask for verification from the two CRA, and requested that the wrong previous address be removed.
2. When it comes back verified, send the a request for procedures letter.
3. Contact the creditor and ask them for proof that this is a joint account under my name.

If that all fails, ask for a goodwill adjustment, stating my record with the other account, that the other (bad) account obviously doesn't reflect MY record with the company, if they delete it, I'll stay as a customer. If not I'll close the other account (which, although I'm an AU on it, my wife will close it in a heartbeat).

Any other suggestions?

Sorry for the long winded nature, wanted to present all the facts. Again, great board!

spidy

 

kit,

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm overnighting a letter to the card company this morning. Hopefully, they will cross paths in the investigation.

Much appreciated,
spidy