What type of letter would I send and to who, I want to get this item removed from my credit report, it has recently been updated to a paid/collection after an investigation. This item should have never been placed on my credit, and it is from Gulf State. Equifax deleted it from my file, but experian just changes the status. Thanks in advance for any help.
Michelle, I am fairly new and I know what it's like to need a reply to put your mind at ease, but just so you know sometimes people on this board are a little reluctant(and rightly so) to jump in if they think you can get the answer from "searching the threads". I happen to be of the opinion if I can help then I will so here goes. Your first step should probably be to send a validation letter to Gulf State. Others on this board have dealt successfully with them so I know there are some threads that has good info. Just type "Gulf State" into the search box and see what you come up with. Anyhow, the first step would probably be the validation letter. You must send it Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested in order to create a "paper trail". You may need this evidence later on if you have to go to court.
Robin is correct - start off with the validation letter. Make them prove to you the debt belongs. Question is: Is the item paid or unpaid? If it's unpaid then they'll try to fight since they have money to make off this. If it's paid then what motivation do they have? They have their money - all you are to them is a pain. Send the item certified mail, keep the green cards. Don't talk to them if they call. Unless they send you something with your signature, it doesn't count (And here's a trick - unless it's sent back to you certified mail, how do we know you received it?). After 30 days, if you don't hear anything (Chances are if the debt was paid, then you won't get a response), send the "Validaion letter 30 days later" (Estoppel letter). Send certified mail return receipt also. If they don't respond within 15 days, dispute with the credit bureaus - send them copies of the green cards & the letters sent. From here you should be home free because the collection agency failed to prove the debt is valid. Hope this helps. Just be patient, Rome wasn't built in a day, but it was built... GT
