Hi, I have pulled my credit reports. I have read quite a bit of this board and archives. I don't want to post anything that can identify me to the CRAs, but my credit scores are 590s -630s on the CRAs. My main credit problem seems to be collections accounts for medical bills. Most of these accounts are very, very low. Some are even under $10.00, oddly enough. (Highest is less than $500.00) A few are duplicated - they will show up multiple times on the same report (and across CRAs) with different acct numbers, the same balance, and same CA. One medical CA in particular has more than 7 entries on one of my Credit Reports. These (more than 7) reports are all relatively new, reported in 2001. And I have a few other medical collections that are small dollar, and new. Additionally, I have a few older medical collections that date back to as early as 1997. How (specifically, so that I can understand) can I deal with these? I have read some about HIPAA, but do not follow what to do. I know that recent accounts count against my score more. I want them removed from the report, and am willing to pay them to get them removed. I didn't even know about some of them. (a $15.00 balance is a bit ridiculous. And I have multiple entries like this messing up the reports.) Any advice?
What I'm asking, I guess is : What is the exact order that I should proceed in? I already know that I should fix my addresses on my credit report. But what do I do first after that?
If you aren't in a hurry, you can send validation letters to each and everyone on your report. If you are pressed for time you might have to act. Are the accounts yours? Read up on payment for deletion letters. If the accounts aren't yours, you'll still have to send letters asking for validation to the collectors. You will find some in the sample letters. From the CRA end, I would start by disputing anything that is a duplicate. Dispute both accounts as not mine and dispute anything closed that is negative.
Does it work better if I validate first? Or with the medicals can I just pay and use the HIPAA letter (WhyChat's) and be sure it will be removed? Thanks.
Newbie questions fred15 | 3 posts since Apr 2003 ================================ Send this letter to the CAs. == Here is the Val Letter you want to send . Don't make any changes on it and don't hand sign it. Your Name Address City State Zip Company Address City State Zip Date RE: Account #_________/Original Creditorâ??s Name Dear Sir/Madame: Thank you for your recent inquiry. This is not a refusal to pay, but a notice that your claim is being disputed. This is a request for validation made pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Please complete and return the attached disclosure request form. Be advised that I am not requesting a "verification" that you have my mailing address, I am requesting a "validation;" that is, competent evidence that I have some contractual obligation to pay you. You should also be aware that sending unsubstantiated demands for payment through the United States Mail System might constitute mail fraud under federal and state law. You may wish to consult with a competent legal advisor before your next communication with me. Your failure to satisfy this request within the requirements of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act will be construed as your absolute waiver of any and all claims against me, and your tacit agreement to compensate me for costs and attorney fees. Sincerely, Your Name don't sign - - - Include the following on a separate sheet of paper - - - CREDITOR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Name and Address of Collector (assignee): _________________________ Name and Address of Debtor: ____________________________________ Account Number(s): ____________________________________________ What are the terms of assignment for this account? You may attach a facsimile of any records relating to such terms. Have any insurance claims been made by any creditor or assignee regarding this account? YES/NO Has the purported balanced of this account been used in any tax deduction claim? YES/NO Please list the particular products or services sold by the collector to the debtor and the dollar amount of each: Upon failure or refusal of collector to validate this collection action, collector agrees to waive all claims against the debtor named herein and pay debtor for all costs and attorney fees involved in defending this collection action. ________________________________ Authorized signature for Collector Date_______/_______/_______ Please return this completed form and attach all assignment or other transfer agreements that would establish your right to collect this debt. Your claim cannot be considered if any portion of this form is not completed and returned with the required documents. This is a request for validation made pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If you do not respond as required by this law, your claim will not be considered and you may be liable for damages for continued collection efforts. THE END ** *** ** LB 59
