I am hoping someone can help me. I had a CitiBank card charge off a few years ago. I am just beginning my credit repair journey. CitiBank is reporting TWO collection accounts (different account numbers, go figure...), and there are TWO different collection agencies reporting the CitiBank debt. And I just recently received communication from a THIRD! They have run my EXP report, but to my knowledge, have not reported to any of the CRAs yet....I've searched a bit for some info on this type of problem, but didn't have any luck. Can anyone advise me on how to clear this one up??? I appreicate any advice! Maureen
Fax a validation letter to every single CA that is trying to collect. Give them the 30 days. Check to see what has happened on your reports. If they are not off, fax them another letter giving them a week to delete. Check to see what has happened after the week. If it is still not off, write them a "settlement" letter. When I say settlement I mean "Pay me $2,000 and delete and I won't sue you". Give them a deadline of a week to get in touch with you. See what happens. If they don't delete, file the small claims suits. File a separate suit for each CA for failure to validate, reporting during the validation period, not providing evidence that they are allowed to collect on this debt and failure to mark as disputed(if they have not marked it as disputed). While you are waiting for the validation write to the BBB about each one. I'll be damned if you don't get a deletion from each. If they don't delete, they've got a serious problem. They'll probably try to settle a week before the court date.
Your best bet is to follow the advice and request validation (assuming you don't think they will sue). However, be aware that it IS LEGAL for every CA to report the debt as long as only the current CA reports a balance. All of the others should show $0 balance.
They can't report during the validation period unless it's to say that it is in dispute. They can not report that it is yours without having provided complete validation. But first things first, fax the validation.
I don't believe thats correct - only one collection agency ( including original creditor) can have a trade line on your report at any one time . The reason for this is because only one CA at a time is ASSIGNED this debt - if they cannot collect they return it to the original creditor. It is then up to the OC to assign this debt to another CA if they see fit. -Sal
I'm definitely going to have to start sending out validations for this one...just noticed that Citi is listed two and three times on some of my reports, along with the CAs!! This is getting insane!
