I need some advice... I have my credit almost all the way cleaned up and then today a collection account appears on my Equifax report under Marlin Integrated Capital. I have done some searching and found out from other posts on here that they are pretty shady. The tradeline is for $35!!! Date of last activity is listed as 5/96 and was just now reported 9/02. Under account number it says Telecheck, so I called the number to see what this was for. Apparently it is for a $10 check I wrote to a Sheetz gas station while I was in college. My checking account had been closed without me knowing it and the money from my checking account had been transferred to my savings account. As soon as I found out about this, I got a teller check from my bank and brought it to Sheetz. End of story. Now somehow this "debt" has been outstanding since 1996 and Marlin bought it. I called the number for Marlin on my credit report (1-877-627-5460) and spoke with someone by the name of Jeff Crump, who answered, "NCO." I did not tell him the above story, I just said I have no idea what the heck this is for. He proceeded to tell me. I asked if I could get a copy of the check. He said they don't have that. I asked him where to send the dispute and he said gave me the NCO address in PA. I also asked him for the address and contact person for legal correspondence. He said the address would be the same. When he said they did not have a copy of the check I asked how they can prove that I owe this debt. He told me I could send a dispute and get this.... he said that it would be up to me to send some kind of proof that it is not my debt and that the response would take 45 days. During the course of the conversation I asked him who Marlin since he answered NCO. He said that Marlin is a collection company that NCO purchased. Whew... anyway, I am trying to get some advice as to what to do. I disputed online with Equifax, but I know it will come back verified. I called the bank and they are seeing if they can pull up any info that far back. If they can, I have no problem. If they can't, should I pay for deletion? Based on anyones prior experience, will they delete? It is only $35, but it is $35 I don't owe. I want this off yesterday though. I am (was) down to 2 negatives on Equifax and both are getting ready to fall off. It is the principal though. Even with such a small amount I hate to pay something I don't owe. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Tell em to kiss off. IT is not up to you to prove the debt is not yours- it is up to them to prove it is yours. If you pay they will just reage the account anyway like the NCO we all love. I have sent validation to them over 2 different accounts. they could validate neither and deleted with the CRAs. A simple validation and dispute with the CRA will probably take care of this mess. IF it does not work then they will certainly violate the FDCPA and I am sure their fines will more than cover the check.
What kind of validation letter did you use? What did you ask them to provide as validation? I am just wondering what to ask for in my validation letter. Should I send the validation letter now? I disputed it with Equifax as soon as I saw it this morning.
Doesn't anyone want to talk to me?!? Seriously, this is just another bump, but any input is appreciated.
I would be tempted if all else fails to tell them it's 5/95 was the corect date and send them the 35 bucks.
Hey just call warren dedrick he is the CEO of marlin and they dont even list the correct address on your credit report (518-745-8260) their correct address is 333 glen street suite 200 glens falls NY 12801 so they never sent you a letter they just added it to your credit file this is very common dont pay them until they prove it plus dont let them violate your rights
