I have proof. Here's the nutshell - Paid CA account in dispute, was overdue for deletion. TU rep made some address deletions at my request over the phone. Then when I asked about the overdue verification, she changed the status to "verified". She also zeroed out the balance, past due and most owed lines so they all report now as zero. She didn't tell me she had done any of this. She just told me "they (CA) have the name and SS#." In other words, that was how it was "verified." I had printed a TU report a couple of minutes before the call and printed another just after. That's how I found out she made all the changes herself. Also, if she lets them all go out, there are three TU reports on the way to me that should document this as well. Click below for all of the details. We really need help with how to proceed on this one. http://consumers.creditnet.com/straighttalk/board/showthread.php?s=&pgnum=2&postid=186626#post186626
Is there anyone who might be willing to take the time to read the details of this situation and offer some advice? We sure would appreciate the assistance. Knowing that a CRA rep took it upon herself to verify an account which was overdue for deletion is a bit chilling.
I would venture to say that's how most accounts are "verified". That she did it in real time, with you listening, is a bit bold, however!! It's really disturbing to realize what power these simpletons have over consumers. A simple strike of the keyboard can have such huge consequences. SK
If I were in your situation, I would call her back right now to find out the exact steps she took to "verify" the account. Or better yet, speak to a supervisor or manager and explain the situation step-by-step as best as you can. Insist (nicely) that they follow the law and delete the CA entry altogether. Remind them that this was the reason you called in the first place...to check on the overdue dispute...and tell them you did NOT request another investigation. It sounds like the rep. you spoke with simply initiated another investigation on the spot, while you were on the phone. This is not legal, because you did not request another investigation. You were only calling to have them remove the negative entry since they failed to do it within the initial 30 days of your dispute. Try this, and try to remain calm on the telephone. You can catch more flies with honey. Calmest_LA
Thank you all for your help. And thanks also for the responses on the original thread, it had scrolled off so quickly I didn't see any except the very first one. You guys have given me some good ideas, we'll see how it goes.
Well, I tried talking to a TU supervisor. She said they got the dispute on 5/3/02. She said the CA gave them the name and SSN on 5/30/02. (This is ALL they require for verification.) She said that the fact that they received "verification" from the CA on May 30 fulfilled their obligation to verify within 30 days even though they didn't update the file until my phone call on June 4. I pointed out the fact that the record shows the account as having a zero most owed, a zero past due and a zero balance. I pointed out the fact that the account was not reported to TU until almost 2 YEARS after their own information shows the CA was already PAID! I pointed out the fact that we had requested validation and the CA has still not provided it. She basically said "these things aren't our fault" and suggested I contacted the FTC to see what I can do. Looks like it's time to start pulling together lawsuit material. We started out with the litigious nutcase letter to the CA. Looks like they may find out we really can be.
