Rmv default sch loans from CRAs

Discussion in 'Credit Talk' started by cma, Aug 20, 2002.

  1. 30ftshadow

    30ftshadow Well-Known Member

    Thomas,

    You're correct, you cannot rehab until it goes into default. But you also haven't lost many benefits that those of us in default have lost.

    If you are not in default, consolidation is a less risky option than defaulting on purpose to rehabilitate a lone. Even if though it doesn't clear your record.

    Defaulting really sucks, even if you rehab. I can't answer how the old loans will report after consolidation; but a default really smells up your report.

    Furthermore, defaulting in order to rehab could ultimately make things worse, like if something bad happens and your rehab gets screwed up. You don't get a second chance. It's like jumping in a fire to get dry.

    I have read that others have had some luck removing derog information from student loans. If it were me, I'd negotiate the removal of the old information and consolidate with the original guaranty agency. Some folks may be doing this and calling it "rehabilitation." However, the term is technically specific to defaulted loans.

    Although negotiating this may be tough. Your leverage to get the derogs off is minimal. While you still have to live with the derogs, Their are clear benefits to consolidating even if they do not remove the negative info--such as the lowest interest rate ever, and possible longer terms.

    30ft
     
  2. thickman66

    thickman66 Well-Known Member

    Thomas,

    You are right. It actually helps you in the long run to default 1st than rehab. To often a person consolidates but that neg. stuff stays on your report whereas with a rehab it dissapears.
     
  3. sal826

    sal826 Well-Known Member

    This is my impression of this:


    If you are behind in payments on a school loan (but not in default!!!) try to get an agreement with the loan servicer to help you out by deleting the the late pays if you continue to pay ontime (somewhat like a goodwill letter) You do have several rights that you do not have once it get into default, one of them being you might possibly get them to do a retoactive forebearance.

    Now if they give you the cold shoulder, then you will probably be better off (I know this sounds rediculous) letting it go to default. Then go right ahead and rehabililitate the loan for 12 months.

    -Sal
     
  4. cma

    cma Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    UPDATE ON REMOVING DEFAULTED STUDENT LOANS and CONSOLIDATION
    (see first post on this string for more info)

    I sent a nutcase letter to USA Funds (now handled by Sallie Mae) and requested validation for 3 United Student Aid Funds tradelines issued to all 3 of my reports. I received a letter yesterday from Sallie Mae Post Claim Assistance stating the following for the 3 original disputed tradelines plus a 4th.

    "...The United Student Aid Fund trade-line for your loans has been deleted due to the statue of limitation. Salliemae Guarantee Services, requested that all trade-lines for United Student Aid Funds be deleted as if never reported."

    3 of the 4 tradelines were still on my reports, with 2 of them showing updates within the last 24 months. I will wait another week to see if they drop off, and then contact the CRAs to force them to drop the TLs off by faxing the letter.

    These were all loans that were defaulted, then consolidated. They stated in the letter "...your defaulted student loans listed in this letter were consolidated and your debts are now considered satisfied."

    I consolidated about 16 months ago. So I believe this lends credibility to the issue discussed above (once consolidated, negative tradelines must be removed)
     
  5. sirrowan

    sirrowan Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    I rehabbed my first student loan back in 2000. They tacked on a $1,500 "collection fee" onto my balance and capitalized it into the principal.

    Has anyone else who's rehabbed had this happen. If so, did you get it removed?

    Sirrowan
     
  6. cma

    cma Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    Sirrowan, I have never paid more than a couple of hundred dollars in collection fees to consolidate my loans (which was added to the loan and capitalized). It may depend on the CA to what amount they collect as the gaurantee agency just wants the loans taken care of. Who collected? And for rehab, is the process different than 'consolidating'?
     
  7. sirrowan

    sirrowan Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    The collection agency was OSI. Yes, I think that the process is different for consolidating than rehab. You cannot consolidate if you are in default. You have to wait until after rehab.
     
  8. cma

    cma Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    OK, you are right. I now remember that I had to pay for 3 months before I could consolidate, and did so. I think it cost me about $200 on top of the loan.
     
  9. scout

    scout Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    With most consol. companies, you can't be in default to consolidate. However, I remember getting letters from a consolidation company that said they would consolidate defaulted loans. Not sure how true this is, I just thought I'd share the info.

    I have a question about rehab. When you default, and the loan goes to the Guarantor, the Guarantor and the Servicer can list it as in default/collections (although the servicer should list it as transferred/sold as well). Now, when you rehab, I understand the Guarantor will remove the default from the CRAs, however, does the servicer have to remove that as well? I just can't seem to find where it states that the servicing co. has to remove their negative trade-lines as well. Any thoughts on this?
     
  10. cma

    cma Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    Scout, you've asked something I think everyone would like to know. It seems I've opened a bigger can of worms than anticipated. I don't have most of the answers, but from my research I've found that 'technically' once the loan is rehabbed or consolidated, and loan repayment has been good for usually 12 months, that the original tradeline must be removed. If there is a duplicate tradeline for the account, it must also be removed because it is a duplicate. I wonder if you request validation from the servicer they are unable to validate because the Guarantor no longer shows the loan as reportable. Or perhaps a letter from the Guarantor sent to the servicer would take care of this. Regardless, it should be removed if the loan has been satisfied through consolidation/rehabilitation.

    Comments anyone?
     
  11. scout

    scout Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    That seems right, however, when the Guarantor gets the loan, it (in effect) becomes a "new loan". I just don't see why/how a servicing corp. would be forced to change their trade-line. (for example, with "regular loans", if a loan is charged-off, it can be sold to a CA. The OC can (and often does) report it as a charge-off, $0 balance. The CA can also list it as a charge-off, but with the balance. Just because you get the CA to remove their trade-line through validation/negotiation, doesn't mean the OC has to remover theirs. I think...)

    Now, I'm not saying servicing corps don't/won't change their trade-line. But, what if you're in a situation where the servicing corp. is playing hardball and won't remove it? I just don't see any real backing to get them to remove it if they don't want to.

    I'm not in this situation, but I'd love to get some clarification on this type of situation. It would probably help to know either way when advising people whether to rehab or not because right now, all I can say is, "the servicing corp. *should*/*might* remove the baddies after you rehab." Thats just not good enough when people are trying to decide what direction to take.
     
  12. 30ftshadow

    30ftshadow Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    I thought I would jump in, my knowledge is limited, but it may help.

    Because I went to two different schools and had both Stafford FFEL and Direct loans, I had two situations to deal with. Both Defaults.

    The non-Direct loans were rehabbed this Summer. It was a 18 month process that was not particularly easy nor beneficial for me. The Direct loans were still in default. After several months of research, and this is what I've done:

    First I rehabbed the non-Direct loans (held by PHEAA, previously serviced by Eduserv Technologies and Sallie Mae). Once the non-Direct loans were rehabbed I looked into consolidation. My Direct loans were being garnished from my check with seemingly no way to end it. Although I found a way.

    In fact, I just consolidated a defaulted direct loan through the Dept. of Ed (it funded Monday), so I know you can do that; however, you must consolidate via the "income contingent" repayment plan. After three months, you can change to any plan you like. The CA didn't know about this, and the no one that I talked to on the phone knew either. I found it on the dept. of ed site (www.e.gov). While other companies offer an income contingent plan, I don't know of any that allow you to conso a defaulted loan

    Here's why I did it the way I did:

    I just recieved an e-mail back from an ombudsman at the Dept. of Ed. She said that the laws governing FFEL loans only regard the servicer of the loan (Section 682.405 (b) of 34 CFR (b)(2)). For this reason, Sallie Mae had no obligation to remove the default marks from the report. Furthermore, that the positive trade lines on the report would be a possible counterbalance to the negative lines.

    She also said that the HEA is up for reauthorization this year, and that this is a topic that needs to be discussed. For what that is worth.

    My initial response was that if the default does not come off from all who serviced the loan, then rehab is no more compelling of a benefit than consolidating. No further reply from her as of yet.

    Therefore, I consolidated the Direct loan in order to stop the garnishement. The info hasn't gone to the CRAs yet, but when it does, I'll post the results.

    In regard to the Sallie Mae listings, I have PFBed Sallie Mae and received a reply on Monday that they are researching, but no resolution as of yet. and non expected.

    Eduserv Technologies is now called EFG Technologies. I disputed their listings with Ex and they came off. I'm in the process of disputing with TU and EQ.

    If you are considering rehab for a FFEL Stafford loan, I strongly urge you to read CFR 34.

    30 ft.
     
  13. scout

    scout Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    From 30ft, " For this reason, Sallie Mae had no obligation to
    remove the default marks from the report. Furthermore, that the positive trade lines on the report would be a possible counterbalance to the negative lines. "

    This sums up what my feeling is on this. Although, some servicing corps. may be under the (probably mistaken) impression that they *do* have an obligation to remove negatives.

    I still think rehab is good for those who need it. But it probably shouldn't be looked at as a "cure-all" for everyone. Especially since several people NOT in default have been talking about letting their SLs go into default on purpose in order to enter the rehab process. I just don't think its worth it.

    Great find on the "income contingent" info 30ft! I knew their was some way to cosolidate defaulted loans but I couldn't remember how.
     
  14. 30ftshadow

    30ftshadow Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    I don't remember who it was, but someone had spoken to an Ombudsman named Pam Moran, who said "in the spirit of the law" they should remove the information--which is how I look at it. It's a safe bet that this issue is one Ombudsman deal with often.
     
  15. sirrowan

    sirrowan Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    I don't think that there is a place where it says that the servicer has to remove the derogs. That's where I'm at with AFSA. They suck.

    I also just read that the maximum collection charges that can be added to your loan are 18.5% of the balance + accrued interest at the time of sale (to the new servicer). Mine is way over this. I have a new animal to deal with.

    Sirrowan
     
  16. erich_610

    erich_610 Active Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    Hi,

    This is a GREAT Thread. Like alot of you here, i'm having the same issues. My student loans went into default earlier this year and was sold to a collection agency. For some apparent reason, i was able to consolidate my defaulted loan with 6 straight on time payments. As of this month i am out of consolidation and back to the road of recovery. My main concern now are the tradelines and the damage that these loans are being reported. I was told by my CA that the loans will be updated soon and all the negative comments will be deleted. Too bad i didn't get that in writting...i think that will be a big mistakel. I've spoken to an individual from US dept. of education and they said they will update the report as PAID IN FULL, and account closed. I also have 8 other accounts (full own broken up to 8 different loans) all reporting 180+ late - collection account. These are the ones i want to tackle.

    Can someone sent me a copy or sample of a NUTCASE letter that i can use? This is my only obstacle in trying to get a loan to buy a house.

    I would really appreciate it if someone can help me. Thank you!

    Eric
     
  17. scout

    scout Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    Sirrowan,

    Did you re-hab your SLs that were with AFSA? If so, who added the additional fees, the Guarantor, old servicing copr, CA, or new servicing corp?

    I'm guessing from your post that the old servicing corp (AFSA) won't remove the negative trade-lines, but, did the Guarantor remove their negs?
     
  18. scout

    scout Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    Erik said, "I also have 8 other accounts (full own broken up to 8 different loans) all reporting 180+ late - collection account. These are the ones i want to tackle."

    Are these Student Loans, and if so, are they paid/transferred? Also, how old are they and who is reporting them (i.e., OC,CA etc)? Its hard to say what to do without more info.
     
  19. erich_610

    erich_610 Active Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    Hi Scout,

    Yes, these are student loans and that i have taken out during my time in school from 1995-1999. The loan is being reported by US department of education ADSF, i guess they are the original creditors. I really don't know what ADSF stands for, but based on what i read. It seems like ADSF are tough cookies. I'm currently out of default becuase the loan was consolidated. I don't know what to do next. Thanks for your help.

    Eric
     
  20. cma

    cma Well-Known Member

    Re: Rmv default sch loans *UPDATE*

    Erich, here is a vanilla copy of what I sent them. I received a decent response. If you do a search here you will find more on the Nutcase letters. I can't remember who was the original author, but I'll give them credit here. Hope it helps!

    Servicing Company
    Address here

    To Whom It May Concern:

    I am formally requesting that you validate all tradeline notations you have submitted to the three major credit reporting agencies by â??Loan Companyâ? for me, Your Name, for account number XXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

    Due to possible inaccuracies in these CRA reports, I must demand that the validation I hereby lawfully request be in the form of a notarized statement by a person with original knowledge of the debt as it was constituted and who can testify that the debt was incurred legally, was not subsequently disputed as a result of returned, faulty, or recalled consumer products, was not utilized as a profit-loss tax deduction during the period it may have been payable, and was not claimed as a loss with any insuring entity during the period it may have been payable. Please be advised that I am not requesting a verification that you have my mailing address; rather, I am requesting validation, i.e., competent evidence that I had some contractual obligation sans consumer protection encumbrance which incurred the original claims associated with this tradeline. Note that section 1681s-2(b) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act creates a cause of action for a consumer against a furnisher of erroneous credit information (Nelson v. Chase Manhattan).

    I have enclosed two documents which will verify my address: a photocopy of my Driverâ??s License and a photocopy of a recent phone bill.
    Please know that you have 30 days from the tracked and confirmed delivery of this lawful notice to either answer these demands or to remove the associated negative tradeline notations from the CRA reports. Any other action may constitute evidence of your intent to abridge one or more civil or other constitutional rights. Please be further advised that continued unsubstantiated reporting of possible inaccuracies to third parties may provide a basis for criminal complaints being filed in accordance with FDCPA, FCRA, and other federal statutes.

    I look forward to a timely and amicable resolution to this matter.

    Sincerely yours,
     

Share This Page