TradeStar28 Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 ok....One of the five negatives from Experian is a medical collection. I disputed the TL with EX stating "not mine". I also DV'd the collection agency (Paul Michael Marketing).I just got a letter today from PMM saying they have contacted the blood lab that I owed the money. It is a small amount of $227. The date of the service (blood tests) were on 9/23/99.Furthermore, the collection agency sent me a detailed bill from their client (blood lab) and it is def. something I will admit to owing and the bill is quite detailed.So my question is...What is my next step? Do I call the collector or blood lab? I am willing to squash the $227 but don't know my best route especially since this is from almost 6 years ago. BTW- I live in NY so i am not sure of the SOL.Any help much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dloran Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 The way I see it, is you have two avenues to take. First did PMM proved you with true validation, meaning did they provied proof that they can legally collect on this debt, did they provied prove (such as your signature) that you agreed to these charges. If not nail them with a second DV, stating either provide what I am asking for or take a hike. Second if you want to take the responsiblity and pay for this debt, send PMM a pay for deletion settlement. In writing state that you will pay the originial amount of $227 in return they exept it as paid in full and delete it from all three credit reporting agencies permently. if they agree to this they are to sign and date the letter and return it to you. upon recieving the signed and returned letter you will promply send out a check for the agreed amount. In the memo section on the check put paid in full for deletion. I am sure someone else will give you helpful advice as well and may even go into more detail then me. Good luck!! D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TradeStar28 Posted May 10, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 PMM just sent me the actually bill and the costs of the blood work done from the blood lab. I didnt have a written signature for this nor did they provide one. This negative only shows up with EX not the other 2 CRA's. Also, they never sent proof that they are the ones who are legally obligated to collect the debt but i am sure if i did call the blood lab, they would verify this info.Should I still send a 2nd DV to PMM? Or should i go the PFD route? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dloran Posted May 10, 2005 Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 Does the bill from the blood lab have a written or e-mail request from the doctor that was treating you at the time? Which ave. you take depends on how much time and effort and result you want. If you want to just get rid of the debt do a paid for deletion. If you want to put some time into it and your credit doesn't need this off right away send a second DV, CMRR, wait for the reciept to return and pull a credit report if the tradeline isn't showing "in debt validation" file a written despute with the CRA stating that the account is in DV and send a copy of your DV letter for the CA as well as a copy of the return reciept with it. At this point you have the CA on a FDCPA violation, which you could use to sue the CA. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TradeStar28 Posted May 10, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2005 Does the bill from the blood lab have a written or e-mail request from the doctor that was treating you at the time? Which ave. you take depends on how much time and effort and result you want. If you want to just get rid of the debt do a paid for deletion. If you want to put some time into it and your credit doesn't need this off right away send a second DV, CMRR, wait for the reciept to return and pull a credit report if the tradeline isn't showing "in debt validation" file a written despute with the CRA stating that the account is in DV and send a copy of your DV letter for the CA as well as a copy of the return reciept with it. At this point you have the CA on a FDCPA violation, which you could use to sue the CA. D.Ok...here is the update of the medical collection saga...i think we may have a happy ending afterall...just need advice to do everything by the credit repair book....I called up the original company that issued the blood work (Shiel Labs) here in NY. I got a very nice lady on the phone and explained my situation. Basically told her that I thought my insurance took care of the 227 dollar bill and when I went to look at my credit reports, that I had a negative collection from Paul Michael Marketing on their behalf. So i basically said I was willing to pay the bill and she was nice enough to only request 1/2 of the total due (113.50), she asked her supervisor and was given the green light. As i mentioned in the OP, this collection is only listed with Experian, and not TU or EQ.So I told her I would send a money order directly to Shiel Labs for that amount they requested and that once she receives it she will call collection agency to issue me a fax stating that this issue was handled.My most imporant task is to have this removed from my EX file. Now is where I need help. With the check, what type of letter do I send to Shiel Labs. Obviously I will send it CMRRR and with a money order make out to Shiel Labs as requested by them.Thanx for any help or input on this situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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