Names and identifying details in this case study have been changed to protect our client’s privacy.

Ella moved interstate on her own for a few months. Her job had changed, she was living alone, and money was tight. A phone bill with a major telco slipped. By the time things settled down, she had three defaults on her credit file, including one for about $1,250 from the telco, now held by a debt buyer.

She didn’t know until she applied for finance and was declined.

Diagram of how this case was resolved: hardship after a move, account already settled, paid, so it had to go, removed in 24 days

A first “no”

We asked the debt buyer to remove the default on two grounds: the hardship Ella was in at the time, and whether notices had gone to her last known address. They refused. They said the listing was valid and would stay.

Then they made an offer. Pay roughly $450 and they’d remove it.

What we found

That offer made us look harder at the account. We checked with Ella and it turned out the account had already been settled. She gave us her consent to share her credit file with the debt buyer so we could prove it.

Why it came off

We wrote to the debt buyer and pointed out the obvious. They’d offered to remove the default once the account was paid. It already was. They agreed and removed the listing.

The result

We started on 8 January. The default came off on 1 February, 24 days later. Ella was a step closer to the finance approval she was after.

What this means for you

Collectors don’t always have up-to-date records, especially when debts get sold on. Before you pay anything to “make a default go away”, check whether it’s already been paid. Our credit repair lawyers will check the history before anyone hands over more money.

This is a past matter. Names and identifying details have been changed to protect our client’s privacy.

Results depend on individual circumstances. Every credit file is different, and a past result doesn’t guarantee the outcome of your matter. This case study is general information, not legal advice.

Don’t spend another month stuck in Credit Prison. Call our credit repair lawyers on 1300 667 218 or book a 15-minute intro call at https://mycralawyers.com.au/15min-credit-repair-intro-call/ . If we think your chances are low, we’ll tell you straight.

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