Here's my situation: There are a couple of very small debts....$50 and $86 that are listed as collection accounts only on my Equifax credit report. They are listed by a small collection agency that is a "member of equifax". I am not sure if they are an affiliate or exactly what they are. I mailed validation letters on the two debts via CMRRR on 4/24....but never got the green cards back. USPS tracking says they have no record in their system. I really don't want to re-send, wait another 30 days, etc. I would much rather pay off these two small debts in exchange for a deletion. Before I call them up, I wanted your suggestions on how to best handle this. Here are my questions: 1) Can the CA delete the listing? I remember reading a post that said the CA would not delete the listing unless they received authorization from the OC. 2) Should I negotiate directly with the OC and ask them to send letter of deletion to CA? Thanks so much...this board is awesome! I am addicted.
If the tradeline is from the CA, I'd say they should be able to delete them. Looks to my newbie eyes like there are a few ways you can handle this: 1) If you sent the letters to the address listed on your credit report for the CA, look for their fax # online. It seems like you should've at LEAST gotten your letter back. If you have any proof that you sent them the validation letters (green certified slip with tracking # if you never got the letter/card back). then I might try faxing them the estoppel letter, note the fact that their address was incorrect on your CR, and cc: your fax to the FTC and BBB. That might get their attention OR you can do 2) If you're hellbent on paying, doesn't hurt to ask for deletion of all tradelines from the CA AND the OC (now and in the future for the accounts). MAKE SURE YOU GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!! I can't stress that enough. Either way, good luck!! D
