Need some advice - thanks guys/gals!

[pierss08]

So - I got contacted by a collection agency (a very very small one) about a daycare center debt that my wife and I definately owe.. Anyway, by the time we DV'd, etc. they had already reported on my wife's credit (TU). It is the ONLY bad thing on her credit. I contacted the little CA and they refuse to do a PFD (they said it was against their contract with TU). The next week, I guess b/c they figured they were not dealing with an idiot, they transfer the account to a large attorney office / CA...

So the little CA is still reporting, but refuses to talk to me about the debt at all, b/c it "is with the attorney's office", the attorneys office / CA, is unwilling to negotiate a removal b/c as they said "we are not reporting to the credit bureau, but we can not control what "little CA" is doing"

Any help is greatly appreciate. I have no problem paying it, we are only talking about $400. But, how do I navigate this mess???

Thanks in advance - you all are GREAT!!!!

[Fizzle1979]

I think some people have had success making the CA agree to a RE check. Restrictive Endorsement...basically a check that comes to them with a condition. That condition meaning the CA is not allowed to discuss this alledge debt with anyone including the CRA's. So after they cash the check, you can dispute the alledged debt with the CRA's and if the CA updates, they are in violation of yor RE agreement. Search RE or Restrictive Endorsement on this forum.

I'm personally never done one, but I think some members on here have and had good luck with it.

[Ahntara]

RE is tricky and requirements vary by (state) law. The OP may wish to check Virginia statutes prior to making that decision.

Alternatively, you can try to negotiating for a statement that the CA will no longer respond to further/future communication (including E-Ocsar or other electronic means). A non-disclosure agreement, I believe, is the term. {Double-check that with other sources!} They don't have to violate their contractual agreement with TU, but can honor the terms of their settlement with you.

That way, a future CRA dispute gets ignored = resulting in suppression of the TL.

And, that attorney can definitely get THAT accomplished in exchange for some money. Money fixes lots of things.