What is my next step.

[pkking]

What is the name of your state? Alabama

What is my next step? On my Experian credit report there is collection account (RJM -Original creditor AmSouth Bank) in which I am unsure of what it is. It states that is was opened in 02/05 and is a joint account. Here is a list of thing that I have already completed:

1. Sent an online dispute to Experian stating that I did not know what this was. Experian responded with "Account has been verified" and that account will remain on my credit report. No other information just simply "account has been verified".

2. I then sent Experian a written dispute stating that I did not open any account with AmSouth Bank in the year of 2005. I am a customer of AmSouth and have been since 1994 but that I have no outstanding accounts with them. (I have had 2 negative accounts with AmSouth that were included in bankruptcy that was discharged in 2003. One for a loan and one for a credit card, this account is for neither.) I also disputed the fact that I have any joint accounts. I have been single since 2003 and I have not co-signed with anyone. Once again Experian responded with "Account has been verified" and that account will remain on my credit report. Experian stated I needed to contact the original grantor for more information.

(Note: AmSouth Bank and Regions Bank merged early 2007; all local AmSouth Branches were purchased by RBC Centura Bank which is now my current bank)

3. I contacted RBC Centura 1-800 customer service line and they were unable to find any account (other than my current accounts) under my name, previous name or social security number. They suggested that I contact the local branch here in town. I contacted the local branch and they as well were unable to find any information.

4. I contacted Regions Bank (now AmSouth) they also were unable to find any outstanding account for my name, previous name or social security number. They were able to pull up the 2 accounts that were included in the bankruptcy.

5. I mailed a letter to RJM requesting documentation of this account. It has now been over 30 days and I have had no response.

So now I need to know what to do next. Experian claims that it is a confirmed account and will not do anything but yet I have no idea what this account is. I stand firm that I did not open any account with AmSouth in the year of 2005 and that I have not opened any joint accounts at AmSouth ever. I can account for every account I have ever had with AmSouth.

Thank you in advance for any advice that you may have.What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

[pkking]

I called Experian's customer service to ask what my next step should be. It was a joke. He stated that I needed to file a dispute and they would have an answer within 30 to 40 days. I tried desperately to explain to him that I had already filed a dispute and his reply "you must listen to me or I am unable to help you, the first step is you must file a dispute at which time we will let you know the answer in 30 to 40 days. If you are still not satisfied with that you will need to contact the original creditor. At this time that is all I am able to do. I have filed a dispute for you and we will notify you with the results." Once again I tried to explain to him that everything he had just explained had already been completed and now I needed to know what to do next. His only response was I needed to file the dispute. ?????????????????????????

[Ladynred]

The IDIOTS answering the phones for Experian are phone drones, they work off a script - and they don't have the brains to go off of it - and the person you spoke to probably was in India - not the US.

You've disputed twice, now you need to follow directions and dispute DIRECTLY WITH THE CREDITOR IN WRITING. In this case, that 'creditor' is RJM Acquistions. They are obligated, under the FCRA, to do an investigation and they have 30 days to do it and respond - either 'verify' or delete the account if they cannot. Since you don't recognize the account, it would be worthwhile mentioning that the account in question may be due to identity theft.
If RJM cannot validate the debt, yet they are verifying with the credit bureuas, they are in violation of the FCRA . If they don't have proof to validate, then how can they verify with the CRA s ? RJM is also obligated to go back to the ORIGINAL CREDITOR to produce proof the debt is yours, they cannot just parrot what's in their computer system.

If, after all you've done at the bank, RJM still comes back as verified, hire a lawyer and have him write to them, a lawsuit just might make them stop being drones.

[pkking]

Ladynred thank you for your response. I did send a letter to RJM requesting proof of debt and I have not had any response. The letter was sent regular mail do I now need to send one certified? I feel like I am a little rat in the running wheel going in huge circles. I did file bankruptcy in 2003 due to a divorce and I must suffer the consequences of that as it was my choice, however I have followed every rule, dotted every I crossed every T in order to rebuild my credit and I am proud to say that I accomplished a great deal. And to now have an item on my report showing negative and established after the bankruptcy is hurting my credit score quite a bit. This item on the experian report has my credit score a full 100 points below the other 2 credit bureaus. (I know that experian usually runs their credit scores lower but not a full 100 points). Thanks again in advance for any information you might have.