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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
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D
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Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
So since DH and I were planning on house hunting soon I decided to check my credit score. To my shock it had plummeted over a 100 points since I last checked it. I discovered that it is from an outstanding balance from a Victoria Secret credit card that I haven't used in 4yrs! When I called them they refered me to the collections agency it is now in because they don't handle it anymore. She did however give me a date of 5/2/07 as the date of the charge (which totally blows my mind as I stated above have not used that card in 4 yrs) I am also kicking myself for never changing my address on this card (moved 2yrs ago) but forgot about it since I didin't use it.
So I spoke with the collection agency and after running in circles with them(they had a date of 12/18/00 which they verified isn't always accurate) for awhile they told me to fax them a request for an itemized bill. I am totally freaking out at this point and baffled at how this happened since this credit card has been locked up in a fire proof case for all these years. I am someone who is never late for a payment and has always had excellent credit. I'm kind of feeling foolish now for not checking this sooner.  I know I have to wait for this statement but is there anyway this can be fixed?
Update: Well this is all my fault. I'm such an idiot. Last night while lying in bed it hit me like a slap in the face where that stupid bill is from. I bought a f*^&^&ng bathing suit from them. I could have sworn I updated them with my correct billing address since I obviously changed the shipping address but I have no proof of that since I conveniently can no longer log into my victoria secret account online anymore Do you think I can still bargain to get that mark removed from my credit if I pay it in full? How do I go about doing that?
Message edited 10/15/2008 9:46:15 AM.
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Posted 10/14/08 1:04 PM  |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
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Beth
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
you can dispute it- they have to take it off for 30 days while they investigate
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:07 PM |
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ARIELSMOM
Love my Babes
Member since 8/05 5889 total posts
Name:
MEREDITH
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
i had the same issue with a macys bill. I called them, paid it and they sent me a letter.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:09 PM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
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D
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by Beth1210
you can dispute it- they have to take it off for 30 days while they investigate
Since I had no info where this charge came from and neither did she, she told me to request the itemized statement first.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:09 PM |
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Kara
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Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by ARIELSMOM
i had the same issue with a macys bill. I called them, paid it and they sent me a letter.
I would tell the collections agency that you will pay it IF they remove the mark from your credit reports. Sometimes this works!
ETA - The OP could use the fact that the collections agency has not even tried to contact her as a bargaining tool to get them to remove the report from your credit report in exchange for payment in full. Just a thought.
Message edited 10/14/2008 1:12:05 PM.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:11 PM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by Disneygirl
Posted by Beth1210
you can dispute it- they have to take it off for 30 days while they investigate
Since I had no info where this charge came from and neither did she, she told me to request the itemized statement first.
get the info- you might want to wait to dispute up until it gets closer to you getting a mortgage
who ever you use for your mortgage should be able to help - my DH just got someone up 80pts-
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:14 PM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by Beth1210
Posted by Disneygirl
Posted by Beth1210
you can dispute it- they have to take it off for 30 days while they investigate
Since I had no info where this charge came from and neither did she, she told me to request the itemized statement first.
get the info- you might want to wait to dispute up until it gets closer to you getting a mortgage
who ever you use for your mortgage should be able to help - my DH just got someone up 80pts-
Thanks I might do that even though it still says my credit score is good. It used to be excellent though. I kind of feel like the straight A student that just brought home a C-.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:27 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
It's time to sue the collection agency.
If you fail to close on your mortgage or lose your house because of this that can lead to major damages.
Find a lawyer that specializes in FDCPA violations. It's very possible the collection agency didn't have the legal right to mark your credit report, whether the bill is valid or not.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:29 PM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by ave1024
It's time to sue the collection agency.
If you fail to close on your mortgage or lose your house because of this that can lead to major damages.
Find a lawyer that specializes in FDCPA violations. It's very possible the collection agency didn't have the legal right to mark your credit report, whether the bill is valid or not.
But I'm wondering if this is my fault for not updating that credit card account with my current address. They probably have tried to reach me through my old address and obviously it didn't get to me.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:34 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by Disneygirl
Posted by ave1024
It's time to sue the collection agency.
If you fail to close on your mortgage or lose your house because of this that can lead to major damages.
Find a lawyer that specializes in FDCPA violations. It's very possible the collection agency didn't have the legal right to mark your credit report, whether the bill is valid or not.
But I'm wondering if this is my fault for not updating that credit card account with my current address. They probably have tried to reach me through my old address and obviously it didn't get to me.
It doesn't matter if you changed your address or not. It's possible that the CA didn't have the LEGAL RIGHT to mark your credit. Do you know if they are licensed to collect in NYS? Do you know if they are licensed to report to the CRAs? A good FDCPA lawyer can find out this information.
They marked your credit report already. The damage is done. Disputing this in writing will take some time and there is no guarantee that the CA will remove the mark on your credit report even AFTER you pay them.
Let's face it... if the bill was only $100 what incentive does the CA have to remove this? Sure they can get $100 but do you really think they care if they get their measley $100.
It's time to go on the offensive. Find a lawyer, sue them for 50k, and then maybe that will be enough incentive to do something.
You can sue for attorney fees under FDCPA so its very possible an attorney will take this case on contingency.
Message edited 10/14/2008 1:40:18 PM.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:39 PM |
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Kara
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Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by ave1024
Posted by Disneygirl
Posted by ave1024
It's time to sue the collection agency.
If you fail to close on your mortgage or lose your house because of this that can lead to major damages.
Find a lawyer that specializes in FDCPA violations. It's very possible the collection agency didn't have the legal right to mark your credit report, whether the bill is valid or not.
But I'm wondering if this is my fault for not updating that credit card account with my current address. They probably have tried to reach me through my old address and obviously it didn't get to me.
It doesn't matter if you changed your address or not. It's possible that the CA didn't have the LEGAL RIGHT to mark your credit. Do you know if they are licensed to collect in NYS? Do you know if they are licensed to report to the CRAs? A good FDCPA lawyer can find out this information.
They marked your credit report already. The damage is done. Disputing this in writing will take some time and there is no guarantee that the CA will remove the mark on your credit report even AFTER you pay them.
Let's face it... if the bill was only $100 what incentive does the CA have to remove this? Sure they can get $100 but do you really think they care if they get their measley $100.
It's time to go on the offensive. Find a lawyer, sue them for 50k, and then maybe that will be enough incentive to do something.
You can sue for attorney fees under FDCPA so its very possible an attorney will take this case on contingency.
Ave, you're making a lot of assumptions here and bordering on giving out legal advice... Considering the OP hasn't even LOST anything yet, how would she have $50k in damages?
OP, you're of course free to consult a lawyer if you wish - that generally cannot hurt. I sure wouldn't take legal advice from anyone on the internet, myself included -- but I think this poster is making it sound like this would be the easiest case ever. I think the reality of the situation is much different.
ETA - Consulting an attorney to negotiate regarding the credit report stuff is one thing - suing for $50k when you likely have no damages opens you and your attorney up to sanctions. If you consult an attorney, consult a good one, experienced in this area of the law.
I'm confident you'll find a way to resolve this quickly and efficiently. I hope you figure it all out soon. 
Message edited 10/14/2008 1:58:18 PM.
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| Posted 10/14/08 1:49 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by Kara
OP, you're of course free to consult a lawyer if you wish - that generally cannot hurt. I sure wouldn't take legal advice from anyone on the internet, myself included -- but I think this poster is making it sound like this would be the easiest case ever. I think the reality of the situation is much different.
I'm confident you'll find a way to resolve this quickly and efficiently. I hope you figure it all out soon.
I have successfully sued and won under FDCPA so I know how it works. I know first hand how a CA will cave under the sight of a lawsuit.
Every case is different obviously. I originally thought the OP was in contract for a house which is why I threw out a large number.
I would still sue in this case. Statutory damages start at $1000 plus actual damages. Since your credit was already marked that would be grounds to include more damages.
Find a good attorney and let him/her decide on the damages.
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| Posted 10/14/08 2:02 PM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
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D
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Just one more question: If and when I do get this resolved hopefully do to some human err in my favor, how quickly can my credit score get corrected?
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| Posted 10/14/08 2:12 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
Posted by Disneygirl
Just one more question: If and when I do get this resolved hopefully do to some human err in my favor, how quickly can my credit score get corrected?
An attorney can better advise you on this since in my case my credit wasn't marked yet. I sort of wished they did mark my credit because that would have been VERY bad for the CA.
But if a court finds in your favor and orders them to remove the mark, it will happen very quickly.
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| Posted 10/14/08 2:14 PM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
years ago I had a mark on my credit right before I took a mortgage out.
I called the attorney that was handling the collection and told them it wasn't mine and gave them my information.
Then I called all three credit agencies and reported it and put in a dispute. It was removed 2 weeks later. It can take 30 days.
You need to call the credit agencies..they put an investigation in and find out of it's really your debt.
Down the road you may need an attorney but take it one step at a time. There are measures to protect you with the credit agency. Use them.
Good luck and don't forget to breathe.
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| Posted 10/14/08 2:31 PM |
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jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!!
I wouldn't talk to them or make any arrangements over hte phone. I would write a letter Certified mail return receipt asking them to submit proof its yours. If they do then you can do a pay for delete letter....i.e. offer to pay them the balance as long as they agree in writing before you pay it that they will remove it from your credit report.
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| Posted 10/14/08 2:47 PM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
Update: Well this is all my fault. I'm such an idiot. Last night while lying in bed it hit me like a slap in the face where that stupid bill is from. I bought a f*^&^&ng bathing suit from them. I could have sworn I updated them with my correct billing address since I obviously changed the shipping address but I have no proof of that since I conveniently can no longer log into my victoria secret account online anymore Do you think I can still bargain to get that mark removed from my credit if I pay it in full? How do I go about doing that?
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| Posted 10/15/08 9:46 AM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
I think if you call them, you can pay it in full and negotiate to get it off.
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| Posted 10/15/08 9:51 AM |
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FLaCaTaCa
Kelsey Elyse = Love
Member since 5/05 1855 total posts
Name:
Stacy
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
Posted by Blu-ize
I think if you call them, you can pay it in full and negotiate to get it off.
I agree! I've dealt with something similar when we wanted to buy our house. Even if it is not removed...it will be a satisfied collection and those look a little better on your report.
The stipulation for my mortgage was that every collection needed to be addressed....it doesn't necessarily mean paid off....just payment plans and/or disputed.
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| Posted 10/15/08 10:10 AM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
I wouldn't pay them a dime until I have a statement from them IN WRITING that they will remove the mark on your credit report if you pay.
No letter in writing, no payment.
ETA: I would still talk to an attorney as it is possible the debt collector violated FDCPA.
I had a legit collection of over $3000 against me. It was a real bill that I never paid. My lawyer got the bill wiped clean, and I was awarded a judgement against the debt collector because they violated FDCPA in one of their letters to me. My lawyer got paid too (by the debt collector as part of the judgement).
In the end it didn't matter if the bill was real or not, or whether it was my fault or not. If the debt collector breaks the law, make THEM pay.
Message edited 10/15/2008 10:29:08 AM.
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| Posted 10/15/08 10:26 AM |
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jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
I wouldn't agree to anythng over the phone. I would definitely write a letter saying that you will pay when they send you a letter back stating that once they receive payment they will delete it off your report.
Collection agencies are notorious for going back on their word. Once you pay them they don't care what you talked about over the phone because they already have your money.
Also FYI: Collection agencies buy debts for pennies on the dollar...the original creditor already wrote off the debt as bad so they usually sell it to the collection agencies for cheap.
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| Posted 10/15/08 10:56 AM |
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cjik
Welcome 2010!
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
Posted by jacquig
I wouldn't agree to anythng over the phone. I would definitely write a letter saying that you will pay when they send you a letter back stating that once they receive payment they will delete it off your report.
Collection agencies are notorious for going back on their word. Once you pay them they don't care what you talked about over the phone because they already have your money.
Also FYI: Collection agencies buy debts for pennies on the dollar...the original creditor already wrote off the debt as bad so they usually sell it to the collection agencies for cheap.
Agreed. This happened to me when we were house hunting. I had a copayment from a hospital I visited several years ago that wound up going to collections. It was very strange because I lived at the same address for a couple years after the hospital visit and never received a bill. The amount was $50 too-piddly really. So when I paid it, this item still remained on my credit report. After a lot of back and forth and arguing with the collection agency, I finally got it removed.
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| Posted 10/15/08 11:03 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
This happened to DH. He found a mark on his credit report when we were about to buy our house which decreased his score from excellent to good.
After a lot of back and forth, he found out that it was for a phone bill that was in his name from his old apartment (he had moved out but, left everything in his name and the morons who lived there didn't pay the bill).
He paid the amount due in the end since it was relatively minor, got the incident removed and his credit has improved.
ETA - To try to avoid situations like this, it's good to review our credit reports on a frequent basis.
Message edited 10/15/2008 11:14:38 AM.
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| Posted 10/15/08 11:13 AM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Help I'm having a credit score anxiety attack!! Updated: this is all my fault
Posted by ali120206
ETA - To try to avoid situations like this, it's good to review our credit reports on a frequent basis.
Lesson learned!!!!!!!!! I hope others can learn from my mistake.
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| Posted 10/15/08 12:05 PM |
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