I'm extremely new and wanted to search the posts thoroughly before posting a question, but I can't find they answers I'm looking for. But first a little background: I have about 8 CC charge-offs from a couple of years ago, and am constantly hounded by CAs. The total amount is about $5,000. My desired goal is to settle for something close to what I originally owed in return for a TL deletion, or at least avoiding a lawsuit (or lawsuits). The debts are legit and I won't lodge a "not my account" dispute (even if I could get away with it), but I WILL dispute that I owe $1,200 on an account with a CL of $500. I am pondering requesting a full debt validation with the CAs via CMRRR followed up with an "amount-based" dispute with the CRAs. The problem is that I recently moved (to a bigger place to accomodate my expanding family) and deliberately did not provide the USPS with a forwarding address, in the hopes that I could throw the wolves off the scent long enough to get my CA plan-of-attack together. However, now I am afraid that when the CAs get my new home address, a summons will show up on my doorstep quicker than you can say "predatory lender". Question 1: Should I "volunteer" my home address? Question 2: (unrelated) Can more than 1 CA be trying to collect the same money? Question 3: What would you do if you were me? Thanks, Max
I think the first question is do you have enough money to pay off the creditors now? If not, then I would probably try to delay until you can. AFAIK, when creditors do agree to a settlement they want the money right away, or in some cases they'll let you make several payments, but it still must be paid off within 30 days. If you don't have enough to pay everything off now you can start with some of them and settle, then when you have more money available settle the rest. If you really worried about getting served or not providing the creditors with your new address you might want to get a PO box or a mailbox from MBE or a similar place and then provide that as a forwarding address to the post office. That way you can still be in contact with the creditors to know where things stand without providing your new address. Also, be aware that your new address may already be on your credit report. If you applied for credit with your new address, or you provided your new address to any of your creditors that routinely report to the credit bureaus, then they'll report that address as well. Once that address is on the credit report then the other creditors will see it as well. I'm sure others will have more advice for you too. HTH, Brett
That's really up to you. When I moved, the creditors lost me for about 3 months, then they found me on their own. No, but would need more detail I was you I would pull all three of my credit reports, and see what is being reported. Keep reading here, ask questions, and you will figure out the best plan that is comfortable for you, as well as learn your rights so that the CA's don't continue to attempt to walk all over you. Good luck, and welcome to the board!
Personally, I am stuck now for putting in my current address while I ordered the Reports the first time recently. I should have FIRST moved or gotten a PMB THEN ordered my reports with the new address. Now I have my current address which is the same as the baddies have. Since I entered the information while ordering it is listed as current. I can't exactly call and dispute it as an old address. Now can I? LOL So think carefully while filling out the CRA order form. I am hoping I can re-start at a later date by calling/writing for 3 new reports and have them send it to my new address.
