Account #'s

[momsewingdaughter]

So I'm starting the repair process by pulling my three reports. The problem is that some of this stuff is old and some of it isn't mine. The account numbers, however, are truncated on the report. When disputing online with the reporting agency, can I use the truncated number.

Also, does anyone know how long it takes on average for disputes to be responded to? I know they have 30 days, but does it normally take them that long?

Thanks!

[Trish]

Yes, you can just dispute with the truncated numbers. Just write them down exactly how they are on your CR.

Sometimes the CRAs will update you as soon as the acct is validated/deleted......whatever the results are.......but generally speaking, they take the full 30 days (or 45 days if you use a free report).
I rarely get my results any sooner.

[chane]

One thing about the CRAs is that they are never consistent. At first I got mine back within 10-14 days. My later disputes took much longer. Sometimes I didn't hear back from them at all and sometimes I got 2 or 3 letters back from one dispute. They are extremely confused and unorganized.

You should always wait at least 30 days after sending a dispute before sending another one. Even if they get back to you early. You don't ever want to give them reason to extend the investigation and by sending them 2 letters in a 30 day period, you do. The investigation gets extended by 15 days each time you send them a letter within that timeframe.

[momsewingdaughter]

Thanks very much for your help. This is close to the most frustrating thing I've had to deal with.

[scorch]

Please don't dispute online. It is better to send them letters!

I'm afraid to tell you this, but even if some of the stuff isn't yours, there is a chance that they can be verified!

As chane said they are very confused and unorganized.

[momsewingdaughter]

Well shoot. I already did it online. Anything I can do to help the matter now?

How can they verify something that's not mine? We are talking maybe $150 in bills here. . .I'd pay them if they'd go away and drop off my credit report. They'll cost me way more than that in interest anyway (if I don't get 'em fixed).

Thanks.

[scorch]

I don't know the specifics of how they can verify it if it's not yours, but I have heard of cases where this happens. Since you've already sent the dispute, I would suggest that you just let it be and hope that they delete it.

Good luck.