I just pulled my credit report, and noticed that there was a collection account from a company called "Afni". I called them up and they said it was from a cable company (Charter Communications) and it was delinquent as of 2000 and the account was opened in 1998.
The problem with all of this is - I NEVER opened an account with Charter Communications and I didn't live at the address the collection company says it was opened at, during that time period (I did however live at that address at one time).
When I asked what my options for recourse were, I was told that I could file a fraud claim and would need to provide the following:
1. Proof of residence at that time (tax records, lease papers, etc...)
2. Valid picture ID
3. Copy of Social Security card
4. Police Report
My question is: Are there any other options to get this off of my credit report? The balance is only $240, which is an incredibly small amount for me to have to do all this work. What can/should I do?
2007-04-04 12:01:57 · 5 answers · asked by oldskoolmaniak 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Matt, your points were good. I'm wondering, do you know, since it was delinquent as of 2000, but shows reported on my credit report as of 2005, which is the legal start of the 7 years?
2007-04-05 04:42:13 · update #1
You can do an online dispute with the three different credit card companies. It takes 30 days and if all the info pans out then they drop it from your report if the company does not dispute it. They will send you a copy of your credit report and let you know what the findings were via mail.
Just go to each individual credit co: Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax and file an online dispute. They walk you through it and everything. If that does not work then you have to go through the precess that they told you to do. I had a similar problem and this is how I solved it. Good Luck!
2007-04-04 12:13:43 · answer #1 · answered by Brown Eyed Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"You could pay it, but that wouldn't solve the core issue. The police report will take some time, but the rest should be fairly easy. Consider the dmage this is doing to your credit. It's could cost you more than you know...higher interest rates, insurance, etc. "
Do not pay the bill. If the account was deliquent in 2000, the 7 year clock ends this year (the actual date of last activity.) If you pay this, the 7 year clock starts all over from the date the payment is made and recorded. That will further damage your credit score.
Dispute the bill as not mine with all 3 credit bureaus. If they can not prove the bill is yours, then it must be removed.
Good luck
2007-04-04 14:29:37 · answer #2 · answered by Matt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could pay it, but that wouldn't solve the core issue. The police report will take some time, but the rest should be fairly easy. Consider the dmage this is doing to your credit. It's could cost you more than you know...higher interest rates, insurance, etc.
2007-04-04 12:16:45 · answer #3 · answered by Brian D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Matt. It's a desperate attempt to collect on a debt that is about to expire. You might want to pull a free 3 in 1 credit report ( http://www.b35t.info/free/3-in-1-credit-report.php ) to make sure it's gone after.
2007-04-04 19:23:58 · answer #4 · answered by mia s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Write a damned letter. Registered. Raise hell.
Send a copy to Charter Communications.
Be sure to enter "Copy to Charter" at bottom of letter.
Threaten them both with a lawsuit.
2007-04-04 12:16:11 · answer #5 · answered by ed 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋