I'm ready to tackle these bastards! ('scuze the foul language ) I need a pep talk. I'm going to tackle the accounts which haven't been recently reported first! (there's some not reported since 1998-1999) Do you think that is a good idea? I will only be asking for validation. I will be starting with Experian. Any words of wisdom will be appreciated.
I may be misunderstanding what you are saying, but, credit bureaus do not validate. collection agencies validate. You can dispute items on your reports, and the credit bureaus will request verification from the creditors. Then, either it gets deleted if no response, or, it gets updated or amended, or it stays the same.
Sorry, I wasn't very clear, I am going to be sending letters to experian first. Besides pointing out my ignorance LOL do you offer any other advice?
Dispute about 4-5 items each time. Send the disputes certified mail, return receipt. You can send them out approximately every two weeks, just make sure you don't redispute something until you get the results of the previous disputes. If you are disputing something with a collection agency, You can dispute online but you need to create a paper trail in case it may needed later as proof. If I think of anything else I'll post it later.
Excellent advice. I would just add to be very brief in your letters to the credit reporting agencies. Acct XXXX Not Mine, Acct XXX Never Late, Acct XXXX History Incorrect, etc. Verify information or delete account. GOOD LUCK!
I think I got distracted, as I never finished my comment about collection agencies. If you are disputing something with a collection agency that is recent, I would suggest sending a validation letter to the collector at the same time you disute it with the credit bureau. The reason is, the FDCPA says that no collection activity may be taken during the 30 day period after they notify you. So if you have recently been notified by a collector, dispute with the cra's and send the validation at the same time. They won't legally be able to verify. If they do you have them on a violation.
I haven't been notified by ANY collectors in over a year, though I noticed one put an entry on my credit file & have not contacted me - though my name & address is in my credit file & my phone number is listed.
