Getting that last pesky collection account off my credit report
Date: Sun, 03/29/2009 - 21:28
Hi All,
Thanks to everyone ahead of time for helping me figure this one out. I've read some of the forums and have seen this topic addressed in pieces, but I'm hoping someone can sum it all up for me in one thread... so here goes....
In late 2002, I was ripped off by some old roommates when I moved out of state. They took the money I left them to pay the final utility bills (which were in my name) and didn't pay them. A few months later, I recieved a "3rd and final notice" from the utility company in early 2003, although I never recieved the first two. I called the utility (literally) immediately and paid the bill over the phone -- but they'd already sent the account to a collections agency: Rossman & Co, which seems to have a bad reputation on this forum.
I've noticed on my credit report over the years since then that this Rossman account has not only stayed on my report, but they manage to keep it "alive". For example, the "date of first delinquency" is shown on my report as 3/03, but the "balance date" and "status date" (on Experian) are 3/2005. The "last payment date" is listed as 7/3/2005. The "date reported" is 3/2005. But I paid it in 3/2003!
It seems to me, then, that if it takes 7 years for these collections accounts to come off of our reports, then it will be 2012 before this one comes off. Is that true?
I've contacted the utility company in the past about this, and they said that it's up to the collections agency to make corrective action. What can I do in this case? I'd love to get this off of my credit report ASAP.
Thanks!
Barrett
Thanks to everyone ahead of time for helping me figure this one out. I've read some of the forums and have seen this topic addressed in pieces, but I'm hoping someone can sum it all up for me in one thread... so here goes....
In late 2002, I was ripped off by some old roommates when I moved out of state. They took the money I left them to pay the final utility bills (which were in my name) and didn't pay them. A few months later, I recieved a "3rd and final notice" from the utility company in early 2003, although I never recieved the first two. I called the utility (literally) immediately and paid the bill over the phone -- but they'd already sent the account to a collections agency: Rossman & Co, which seems to have a bad reputation on this forum.
I've noticed on my credit report over the years since then that this Rossman account has not only stayed on my report, but they manage to keep it "alive". For example, the "date of first delinquency" is shown on my report as 3/03, but the "balance date" and "status date" (on Experian) are 3/2005. The "last payment date" is listed as 7/3/2005. The "date reported" is 3/2005. But I paid it in 3/2003!
It seems to me, then, that if it takes 7 years for these collections accounts to come off of our reports, then it will be 2012 before this one comes off. Is that true?
I've contacted the utility company in the past about this, and they said that it's up to the collections agency to make corrective action. What can I do in this case? I'd love to get this off of my credit report ASAP.
Thanks!
Barrett
Hi Barrett, Welcome to the Community! Gather all your evid
Hi Barrett,
Welcome to the Community!
Gather all your evidence that you have paid it off and file a dispute with the Credit Reporting Agency. Did the utility company send you a letter thanking you for paying off the account (a PIF)? If so, that is even better!
