Normally, you should do a search. But since I am not terribly busy here goes. Go to the sample letters section and open validation # 1. Re-word it to fit your situation and so it doesn't appear as just another form letter. Send it to the Collection Agency Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested. After you get the green card back begin disputing with the Credit Bureau. If they verify the account as valid during the 30 day validation period I count that as a violation constituting further collection acrivity. After 30 days I would get a copy of my credit report to see if the account is marked in dispute. If not this is another vioaltion. 2 violations = $2,000. If they have not provided validation I would send them another validation letter #2 giving them 15 days to respond. If they havent responded by that time I would send the estoppel/intent to sue combo using the violations as leverage. If they have provided validation, rare usually partial, I would send an offer to settle again using the violations as leverage for a deletion upon settlement.
LOL, Looks like we posted almost the same thing at the same time. See my post below, "validation timeline". It's all very confusing, isn't it? I think I'm getting a handle on it now though. Just a couple more things for me to clear up, and I should be set!! G/L to you!!
After they fail to respond to the initial 30 day validation, I would send an estoppel/demand letter rather than another validation giving them another 15 days. If they haven't responded within 30 days, they obviously can't validate. An initial validation along with a demand letter should be sufficient proof for any court.
"Ok, one more question. When it shows in dispute, well..I'm a little confused by this. I've already disputed them w/ the CRA's, so experian keeps the "item disputed by consumer" on there the whole time. If I dispute again, how can I tell the difference between showing as in dispute from me, or in dispute because the CA put it in dispute? Does that make any sense?" Ok, I cut and pasted this from my post. I figured we really only needed one thread on the same exact topic. Diane, I'm not trying to steal your thread, I just figured they were almost the exact same. Anyway, this is the last thing that has me confused. Any suggestions??
