In response to a validation letter I sent CRRR, Midland's 07/27/2007 response ". . . We are attempting to verify your dispute and it would be helpful to have a copy of any documentation you may have that substantiates your dispute. In the interim, we have requested that the three major consumer credit reporting agencies change the status of this account to "Disputed". . . . Transunion report dated 07/31/2007 with investigation results "new information below" which only had the remark "ACCT INFO DISPUTED BY CONSUMR" which was added by Midland. My next step is to send the 2nd DV letter with a 15 day time frame, followed by the 5 day 3rd request DV - is that correct? Thank you for your response.
Did you make any claims in your validation letter? If not, this is definitely a stall tactic. Nevertheless, its that anyway...
What is there to "verify?" If you request validation, the collection agency is supposed to obtain the information from the OC and send it to you. If they haven't done that, they haven't validated. If the continue collection, they are in violation. I have a question for the collective wisdom, however, what, if anything, should you send to a collection agency? I'm thinking that, you shouldn't have to send much of anything except a request for validation and the payment if you negotiate one (or possible a summons, should things go in that direction). Sending a CA any information (e.g. past addresses, bills, check stubs, etc.) would seem to only give them more ammo to come after you not resolve things in your favor. Sure, they sound all friendly and helpful on the phone (when the aren't shaking you down for money), but their goal is to collect, not resolve. Right?
Another angle Reading of all the suits filed by CA against debtors does intimidate me. Midland purchased the debt in March 2006. Original last activity date from Verizon is January 2004. Only 4 more years - NOT! Does anyone know if Midland deletes for payment? Obviously, I would get the UDF in writing before payment. But this is the only collection I have and I believe it may be the easiest route out. And two, would I get something in writing from the OC payment for deletion?
I do know that if they put it on your credit report then there's not much point in paying them unless they delete it. A paid collection hurts your score as much as an unpaid collection. There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding when, what and how much to pay, but if they're going to use the credit report as a means to resolve the issue, then they've upped the ante, IMO. I've had a couple of bad experiences with CAs lately (has anyone ever had a good experience with a CA?) so I'm a little cranky about them using the credit report as a way to extort money. But to answer your question, if you're willing to pay, tell them that you'll pay the debt on the condition they remove the entry from the credit report. The worst they can do is ignore you.
Replies Thank you both for your replies AND support. I'll let you know which action I take and the results. Who knows maybe EX will be more positive than TU. Now I'm a comedian.
