Here's some background: I filed a dispute in June, 06 and got the results late July, 06. I was able to get many things removed with that 1 dispute (I disputed all 3 CRA's then too). I am now only left with a total of 3 items to deal with, and they have each been paid. Not all 3 items are on each CR. It has been more than 30 days since I got the dispute results back. Friday I sent a cert. mail, RRR to each of the 3 CA's asking them to validate - DV letter. I know they may or may not respond now, but I'm building a paper trail. I want to now also dispute with CRA's at the same time and hope for good results. Today I got online copies of my free annual credit report from all 3 CRA's. Even though I have CR's that are recent, those reports have a file number, and I didn't want to dispute the same file number and run the risk of being told "this was already verified". The new reports have a new file number - that will be a new dispute, which I think is better. But please advise if it's better to use the same CR as before. Is it better to continue disputes on the same file, or to have a new dispute on a new file? Which is more likely to get better results? I have many questions now about interpreting items and the best way to handle them. 1. On some CR's, I have an item that was reported as neg before, but in the last dispute, it was "updated" and moved to "Accounts in good standing". But the wording is still negative, so I think the CRA just "hid" a neg to look pos. but it really isn't and it may be hurting my score. That account has neg. comments like "legally paid for in full for less than full balance", "collection as of 6/06" (which was when I filed dispute, and the account was in collections months before that - I pd it 12/05), and they have many dates listed as 7/06 (the date my dispute was finished but now it looks like a fresh date on account) It was a collection account, I pd it in 12/05, but it "appears" in "accounts in good standing". here's the question for this one: I think I should ask for delete and say "not mine". If I do this and they remove, will it remove a pos. credit account, and lower my score because it will have less pos accounts? Or will it be good to ask for delete because it would really get rid of a neg. account? Should I leave it there? (I don't think I should, but I need advise) This is one of the accounts that I sent a DV letter to yesterday. 2. I have an old utility bill from 1991/1997 that is showing not neg or pos. It is listed as "other accounts" I know that I left a small bill on that account many years ago, but it showing $0 balance and nothing neg. at all. Should I removed it, since there could be something neg. attached to it that doesn't show? I know it may be good history, but I will still have good history that is that same age. Maybe it has no effect. What should I do about that one - ask for delete or leave alone? 3. On 1 CR, by account "M" (let's just call it that), there is a note that says "account information disputed by consumer" I've heard they have to put that or it's a violation, I think, but I'm not sure. However, on another CR by the same account"M", that note is not there. Is that a violation that I should pursue? If yes, I'm thinking the best way might be to wait and see what happens after dispute, if it gets deleted or not. If it does not, I can try the "you are reporting false info" thing to get them to remove - the false info is that they failed to add that line "disputed by consumer" though I know I don't tell them that. Or should I dispute that point now? 4. There is an inquiry that says "collection purposes" - the others say "permissable purposes", which I know are allowed, but the "collection purpose" - is that allowed, or should I dispute, or is that a violation I should pursue? 5. I have many addresses and names, etc that are not correct - I think I should include those in my dispute too, but please advise. That's it. If you could answer each question for me, I'd appreciate it. I'm hoping to file the dispute ASAP. Remember, all of these items are paid already. I paid them before I became educated on this! My hope now is that I bug them and they remove since it's already paid. In at least 1 case, the item was only reported on CR for 1 month before I paid. (medical) Thanks, Suzanne
I got one of the green cards back today, and I really want to file the disputes with the CRA's ASAP. Please, could I have advise on these questions? I think they are easy for those who know better, but I want to be sure before I make a move. It shouldn't take much time or be too dificult but I could sure use the benefit of advise who those know more than I here. I try to help others when I can, so I'm not always asking and not giving. I also hope the answers given here help others too. Thank you.
I cant answer all the questions. You need more help: Dispute any thing with a negative in the remarks, even if it was moved to pos. A potential new creditor will see it and know it was a bad account. Dispute all old adresses and wrong names. If they remain, call and ask who reported them. IF a OC or CA cant get the name right, then what else are they getting wrong? They wont tell who where they got the info, but they will delete it after the call. If it is redated, it is wrong info, thats not when the transaction occured. This is what I turned the OC and the CRA's into the FTC over. That was the only way I could get it cleared up. The FTC was very interested in the matter. Also it lowers your score since it is now a recent collection. I read on the FTC website a "other" account is not used in the Fico score. Others need to give some input, get the questions answered so the dispute can proceed in a timely fashion. I too would like to know the answers.
The old adresses dispute may need to be mailed to the CRA attention: "Fraud Victim Assistance Department" "I am requesting these names and addresses be removed to help prevent identity theft, as I know you are willing to assist in the prevention of identity theft, you should be happy to remove these from my report." Just an idea that came to me, may or may not be worth a try, your choice.
I just called EX to file another dispute, and was basically told I could not dispute the 2 items that I disputed before, back in June. They said once the item comes back verified, they will not investigate it anymore. I'm confusewd - I thought you could keep re-disputing the same item, and often, eventually, it will come off. If I still disagree with the item, I have to do that with the CA/OC (whoever had the account last). Now the only way to get it removed is to have the CA/OC contact EX to remove it. I was able to get many addresses removed and many names removed. Names that are attached to accounts have to stay, though they can be corrected. But here is where I think I did something wrong - I gave the CRA correct info - so now it will be corrected and I won't be able to tell a CA that they are reporting wrong info, if that was true in some cases. That is why I need the advise here, before taking a step. I think now I should have corrected that info last, after all other steps. Wish I would have had that advise.
Thats not the reason. If they believe it is "frivelous" then they have to notify you in writing. Exp. has a policy of denying re-investigations, even with additional relevant evidence.
Thanks for the feedback, but can you offer any help as well? The bottom line is still that this strategy is given here, but when I try to do it, it didn't work. Would someone like to correct that now? I have not even tried to re-dipsute with the other 2 CRA's because of what EX said and did. If they did something wrong, let me know. Just before I called about dispute, I called FTC and complained about other things, so if this can be added to the complaint, let me know.
