Steve
Bradenton,#2Consumer Suggestion
Mon, June 26, 2006
Elizabeth, Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Did you know that paying an old collection account can actually hurt your credit more than just letting it be? This is because the date of last activity gets moved up to the payment date and the 7 year negative reporting starts all over. It will show as a PAID COLLECTION, which is still a negative entry for scoring purposes. And, it will NOT come off your credit report just because you pay it. NEVER pay any third party collector and/or debt buyer. I can do nothing good for you. And you get pegged as an easy mark, so they re-sell it and someone else tries getting some money too! What method of payment did you use? PLEASE do not tell me Western Union! Always send debt validation, wait 30 days, then send cease communications letter. Change your phone# to an unlisted one! Good luck