Collection Agency collect but Creditor still show unpaid?

[lanwarrior]

I have a bad car loan with a company called WFS and the car was repo-ed. WFS eventually got acquired by Wachovia Dealer Services (WDS). As of today, WDS is still updating my credit report with a "Collection" mark every month.

I tried to contact WDS to settle the debt by monthly payment through the contact number listed in the original statement (the old company that was acquired), but the Customer Service at WDS told me to contact via the address listed in the credit report. No phone call allowed. OK, so I sent TWO letters to WDS via certified mail. To date, WDS has not responded to me and now I got 2 collection agencies (CA) trying to collect the account:

1) 1st collection agency: Sentry Credit
2) 2nd collection agency: CBHV (Collection Bureau Hudson Valley, Inc.)

I contacted Sentry Credit to ask if they're the authorized CA for WDS. They stop responding.

With CBHV, they sent me this:
- Copy of the original sales contract of the car that I bought from the dealer
- A letter showing how the calculated the balance

For the 2nd letter, it had WDS logo, but you can tell that it was just a copy-and-paste from WDS website, as the graphics looks very unprofessional (jagged) as if someone copy an image file and RESIZE it to large.

So my question now:

1) Since WDS never responded to me, should I contact them again but this time told them that I have tried in good faith trying to settle the debt but since they didn't response, I have the right to dispute the debt for validity (due to non-response).

2) How do I truly validate CBHV is the authorized CA? The last thing I want is pay CBHV but then WDS still update my credit report for the next 7 years as UNPAID, even though it has been paid. If I pay CBHV, I want WDS to update the record to say "PAID" and not updating my credit report anymore.

FYI, as of today my credit report ONLY show WDS, not CBHV or Sentry, not even on the inquiry section.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[dgreen]

I would like to know the answer myself because I just received a letter yesterday from WDS. My loan was with WFS also. I haven't done anything yet but I'm reluctant now. I will keep reading to see if anyone answers you. I thought I was the only one in this situation with WDS.

[lanwarrior]

Originally Posted by dgreen

I would like to know the answer myself because I just received a letter yesterday from WDS. My loan was with WFS also. I haven't done anything yet but I'm reluctant now. I will keep reading to see if anyone answers you. I thought I was the only one in this situation with WDS.

You received a letter from WDS or a collection agency?

If it's WDS and it's authentic (has WDS) address, can you:

- Provide me with the address
- The department name

I am willing to settle with WDS directly because they're the one who still updating my credit report, not CBHV.

[dgreen]

I don't have the letter with me, I am at work but my memory tells me it is not directly from WDS. The letter head is from California Bureau something????? I will bring it to work with me tomorrow and let you know.

[lanwarrior]

Can any expert provide insight how to deal with my situation above? It doesn't have to be specific to CBVH or WDS, but if you have experience whereby a CA claim they're collecting on behalf of the bank but the bank themselves is not responding when contacted directly, please chime in.

[lanwarrior]

Originally Posted by dgreen

I don't have the letter with me, I am at work but my memory tells me it is not directly from WDS. The letter head is from California Bureau something????? I will bring it to work with me tomorrow and let you know.

dgreen,

Can you update us on the above?

Also, did Wachovia repo-ed your car and now still updating your credit report?

[dgreen]

It is the California Collection Bureau. They have repo-ed the vehicle but have not updated the credit file.

[dgreen]

I just found 2 addresses for Wachovia from my credit files but not sure if you have these or not so here it goes:

WFS/Wachovia Dealer Svs.
P.O. Box 19657
Irvine, CA 92623

WFS/Wachovia Dealer Svs.
P.O. Box 1697
Winterville, NC 28590
(800) 289-8004

Not sure if these will help but this is all I could locate at the moment.....let me know if it helps

[lanwarrior]

Thanks, dgreen!

I am plannign to write a THIRD letter to Wachovia, containing the statements I mentioned in my previous thread. However, I will send it to both addresses you mentioned. I am also thinking of contacting Wachovia directly via phone, who knows they'll respond.

What's your plan in addressing your situation? Maybe we can update each other.

[dgreen]

I am still collecting information on this situation, as far as how much is actually owed, when the vehicle was repo-ed, my legal grounds and the statue of limitations. I had no idea this was out there until the letter, so I am totally clueless on everything. As soon as I find out more, I will have a plan of action. Please do keep me informed of what happens on your end and I will do the same.