Hi, I have 5 different collections with the same collection agency. These are from five different places but they all used the same collection agency. I want to send a validation letter to them but should I just do it on one account or on all of them? Also should I negotiate and lump payment for them (all the accounts sum total for about $1000. Thanks Kim
Usually the CA's have one person per client (the creditor not you), so I would negotiate separately, some creditors won't take less than 80% (medical) and others may take 50%. Firstly I would try to nail the CA on some violations first. It's easier than you may think. How old are these debts? What are the for? What are the amounts? Are you trying to obtain a home loan and that's why you want them paid? Give us a little more on the deatils and we can help you better. Also who is the CA?
Thanks for the offer to help. This is with AFF collection bureau. One of these was paid in 97. I am not looking to get any loans or anything just looking to get a better report for whenever I do need it. COLLECTION RECORD COLL BUR Acnt#: xxxxxxx Open Account >Placed for collection< Updated: 06/2000 Balance: $109 Individual Account Placed: 09/1999 Most Owed: $109 MEDICAL Closed: Past Due: $109 >Status as of 06/2000: Collection Account< COLLECTION RECORD COLL BUR Acnt#: xxxxxxxxOpen Account >Placed for collection< Updated: 06/2000 Balance: $216 Individual Account Placed: 09/1999 Most Owed: $216 Medical Closed: Past Due: $216 >Status as of 06/2000: Collection Account< COLLECTION RECORD COLL BUR Acnt#: xxxxxxxx Open Account >Placed for collection< Updated: 10/1999 Balance: $130 Individual Account Placed: 06/1999 Most Owed: $130 DENTAL ASSOC Closed: Past Due: $130 >Status as of 10/1999: Collection Account< COLLECTION RECORD COLL BUR Acnt#: 1980701027 Open Account >Paid collection< Updated: 07/1999 Balance: $0 Individual Account Placed: 03/1998 Most Owed: $230 MEDICAL Closed: 07/1997 Past Due: $230 >Status as of 07/1997: Payment after charge off/collection< COLLECTION RECORD COLL BUR Acnt#: xxxxxxxx Open Account >Placed for collection< Updated: 07/1999 Balance: $630 Individual Account Placed: 04/1999 Most Owed: $630 Medical Closed: Past Due: $630 >Status as of 07/1999: Collection Account<
OK 1 more question, are these all with the same original medical place? If they are all different this is what I would do, if you want to pay. Call the one you paid and give them a sob story of why you didnt pay it right away. Ask them if they can instruct the CA to do delete the account, then follow up with a letter regarding your conversation to the medical provider. I would contact the original medical providers (provided they are all different providers), give them some big sob story as to why you didn't pay it and that you are willing to pay it if it will be removed from your credit report. If the medical provider says to contact the CA, tell them you have and they are not willing to work out a deal with you. While you are doing this dispute all of the accounts as "not mine" with each of the bureaus. Now if you don't want to pay and/or have some time on your hands do validation with the CA's. About a week or so after the CA's have signed for the Certified Return Reciept letter from you, dispute it with the CRA's. Now IF each of them are verified and the CA doesn't make the notation "consumer disputes" after the CA has signed for the CRRR, then you have them on FDCPA violations. CA's are required to note the CR if they recieve any dispute letters from the consumer. Keep us posted on which way you choose and what happens!
Thank you thank you thank you for the advise, that is what I will do. These accounts are all from different places (dentist, dr..). Much appreciation, Kim
One more tidbit... I have found that medical places are more likely to allow you to pay for deletion. Or that has been my experience. They will pull the account back from the collection agency and let you pay. I think they just want their money. Tell them you never received a bill and assumed insurance paid it all. You just found out it's on your credit report and you will come down and pay them 100% vs a collection agency for deletion.
Another great idea. Thanks for laying out my options. Luckily we wont be making any purchases for a couple of years so hopefully at that point all will be well.
