Midland Credit Management headache

[stumbler]

Well, it doesn't seem that Midland has a great rep. on this board for CA's. I had an issue over 6 years ago with a $3.50 check that went to collections. (Check was not paid by my bank because my checkbook/ledger was stolen out of my car and bank didn't get a hold of me to validate) Anyway, I was young and stupid about the whole thing. The OC was a deli I went into a lot, so I thought I could pay the $3.50 + $20 to the owner. He accepted and said he'd call off the CO. Well, the deli was closed a month or two later for failure to pay income taxes! I ignored the collection letters for a couple of months (figuring I already paid) when I got the dreaded summons. I think back now and wonder if it was really even a legit summons. Anyway, I paid a settlement of like $300.00 right away to avoid a judgement (I know, I would never lay down like that now). Fast forward six years. This has been showing up as an open CO on 2 of the 3 reports for 6 years plus. I figure it will be off in about 6 months (the DOLA is wrong by like 2 years though - so I may have to dispute in the future if I don't get a deletion). I called them up, and they agreed to send the CRA's a deletion letter - and send an intention to delete letter to me by mail. 1 week and no letter.

 

Question: Has anyone else gotten jerked around with promises of deletion? Am I being impatient? I'd really like this off now instead of 6-9 months (SOL), especially because it's incorrectly showing open on TU and EQ. Man, this one account has been keeping me from getting approvals for years and I didn't even know it.

[Simpleisgreat]

Have you disputed the tradeline with the CRAs? I heard from another post that Midland usually doesn't "verify" paid collection accounts.

[stumbler]

That's good to know. No, I haven't ever disputed with the CRA's. I thought I'd call and see if they would just delete (figured it would be quicker than dealing with a dispute ) It has only been 2 weeks, but I'll go the dispute route if I don't get a letter by tommorrow. I did call them a second time last Tues. and the rep. in customer relations told me she would mail the letter (intention to delete) out to me that day. I'm figuring she didn't, but maybe I'm being impatient. Thanks for the information...I will just dispute later this week if I don't recieve today or tommorrow.

[robbenmel]

Oops, my bad...I thought it was "Marlin," not "Midland." :oops: Though I've dealt with Midland, too.

[bribella]

Midland is a huge PIA, we included them in our BK and they keep trying to collect on the debt. I have already spoken to my attorney about this who called them and apparently they were quite rude and hung up on him. So he sent them a letter cmrr basically saying if there is any further collection on this account he will pull their butts into court so fast they won't know what hit them. So I'm waiting to see if they continue their collections activity(i'm hoping they do! )

[Murano902]

Have you disputed the tradeline with the CRAs? I heard from another post that Midland usually doesn't "verify" paid collection accounts.

 

Midland told me over the phone that they don't "verify" paid collections, and after I disputed w/the CRA's, their TL's were deleted. Just FYI.

[sop69tjm]

Does your state require collection agencies to be bonded? I got Midland deleted after I found out they didn't have a bond in TX. Didn't come off without a fight though, even after I sent the ITS.

[stumbler]

Well, I called them again at lunch. (1-800-265-8825 for anyone needing a good number. Ask for the customer relations office) I talked to a third person that said it was approved for deletion and the letter went out to my addy on the 3rd of May. I'm still a little skeptical that it's taking so long for the USPS to get my letter to me. If they didn't send it, I don't know why they wouldn't just blow me off. Maybe they just need repeated reminders. I'll be checking the mail tonight.

 

I will dispute if I don't get a letter soon, so thanks for that information.