Cable Paid but CA on Reports

Apr 232010
 

Hello everyone.  I’d like some input on how I should approach a problem that is really affecting my credit.  I moved into the current basement apartment I live in with my daughter over 3 years ago.  I didn’t have any help and towards the end of packing, was putting things that didn’t go together in the same box.  As a result, I put my cable box in a box with photo albums. 

 

Because my cable TV and Internet is included in the homeowner’s WiFi, I had no need for my own cable account and totally forgot about the cable box. At least until the day I went to find my photo albums.  Guess what I found?  The very next day I drove the cable box to Cox Cable, explained what happened, turned in the box, and paid about $92 they said I still owed.  There was also a bill for $36 for the equipment but since I returned it, that bill was deleted (or so I was told).  When settling this with Cox Cable, the rep that day told me no adverse action had been taken and everything was fine.  I didn’t think any differently because I had not received any sort of collection notice or even a bill for that matter.

 

Well, guess what’s on my credit reports… all three of them?!  TWO collections for a CA for Cox Cable (one for the equipment… which was moot) and another for the $92 bill.  : ( 

 

I’ve managed to find the bio of the Northern VA Cox Cable CEO/Manager… and his contact information. 

 

Would it be a bad move to send the CEO a GW letter/e-mail?  Or should I dispute with the CRAs?  Or DV the CA?  The CA only reports for one month (and I believe it’s for a time AFTER I actually paid the account).  The accounts are marked as paid collection.

 

My goal is to have these deleted… either at the request of the OC or as a result of a successful dispute with the CRAs.

 

I’ve read the “which do I do” thread, but I’m still not sure.  I’m nervous about making the wrong move.

 

I did notice that the Cox CEO for N. VA is prior Army (8 years as an Army ranger).  I work for the Army (civilian).  I wonder if that might work against me or in my favor.

 

Any thoughts?  What would you do?  I’m sure my scores would greatly improve.  This snafu = 2 paid collections on my CRs.

 

* The account was paid off 4 years ago.