paid collections

[herauntsis]

I had two hospital bills, which unbeknownst to me went to collection. I paid the hospital directly for both bills, and now my credit report is showing two paid collection accounts. The reporting was done by a collection agency, not the original creditor. Will validation still work if the accounts are paid? How can I get them to remove the items from my credit? I already tried to get the hospital to tell them to remove it, but no help there. Thanks in advance for whatever help or suggestions anyone can give me.

[admin]

Yes, YES!! YES!! The debt validation method will work. They still need to prove to you that the debt is valid. If they can't, it needs to come off.

[herauntsis]

Thank you very much for you prompt answer ;D

I just want to make sure I understand this -- if the collection agency cannot prove that the debt was owed to them (as opposed to owed to the original creditor), then they can't report a collection account on my credit report?

Also, I work for a mortgage company in California, and I am using some of your techniques to help customers repair their credit. I just started, so I don't have any great success stories to pass on yet, but I will when I do

I haven't seen this technique anywhere on this site, here is something we have had some success with: If you get to the point where you have to pay a collection account, often the collection agancy will give you a letter removing the collection (actually removing it, not just showing it as paid)in return for payment. The trick seems to be, after you have negotiated the amount, to go in person and trade them a check for the letter. Don't give them money until you have the letter in your hand. Perhaps some collection agencies are trustworthy enough to mail you a letter after you have mailed them a check, but I wouldn't count on it.

Thanks again for being here