I found the deletion letter sample below on this site. I'm not sure how to word it for my situation though? I have been paying 2 accounts with the same agency, and I'm down to just under $50. I'm able to pay this off but am now realizing that I can do something first to get them to delete from my credit? I obviously do know these are valid, as I've been paying, so how do I word my letter?
Collection Agency
666 Evil Street
Hades, Hell 00000
Re: Collection Account for Original Creditor
Account #: 00000xxxx
Amount: $25.00
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to inform you that the validity of this debt is disputed. I am not sure of the account number, as I have never heard from you regarding this account. The account number I have is the one listed on my Experian credit report – which omits the last few digits.
In the spirit of compromise, I am willing to pay this account IN FULL (or settlement percentage) if you agree to immediate deletion of this account from any and all credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The purpose of this settlement is merely to have this item removed from my credit files. It is not to be construed as an acknowledgment of liability for this debt in any form.
If you agree to the terms and accept this agreement, certified funds for the settlement amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) will be sent to Collection Agency in exchange for full deletion of ALL references regarding this account from my credit files and full satisfaction of the debt. As certified funds will be used for payment, there shall be no waiting period regarding the deletion of this account from the credit reporting agencies.
Collection Agency agrees to delete ALL information regarding this account from the credit reporting agencies WITHIN TEN CALENDAR (10) DAYS following receipt of payment as specified above and will not discuss the terms of this settlement with anyone, excluding your client on this account. If contacted by any third party, including credit-reporting agencies, Collection Agency will not acknowledge that any settlement offer was made, accepted or executed and will, in fact, deny knowledge of any such account.
If you agree to the above terms, please prepare a letter on your company letterhead explicity agreeing to the same terms as the above settlement offer and have it signed by an authorized representative of Collection Agency. It will be implied that this letter shall constitute a legally binding contract, enforceable under the laws of my state.
Your response must be postmarked no later than 15 days from your receipt of this settlement offer or this offer will be withdrawn and I will request full validation of this alleged debt, as provided for by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Please address all correspondence regarding this account to:
Mr. INeedCreditHelp
123 Any Street
City, State ZipCode
pay for deletion letter
Hi,
If you can pay the amount in full, just mention in the letter that you would like to pay the due amount in full, if the company agrees to delete the account from all the three reports of the 3 credit bureaus.
You can use this letter itself, just write in your own words. Remove the first paragraph and the first line from second paragraph. However, not all companies agree to a "Pay for delete" agreement.
Ok, so this an attempt to PFD.
And your letter is going to be a little confusing.
you state that you have been disputing this account, but this does not agree with the payment history that you described in the beginning.
when was the last payment made on this account?