I disputed an error on CR and my score went down over 20 points!

[cupcake]

I pulled my CRs again yesterday to make sure everything was still being reported accurately. I found two errors with Transunion and so I disputed them online. Today, I get an email from TU saying my dispute is complete. I logged on and see that TU deleted the two entries I reported as being inaccurate.

1) AmEx account. I was an authorized user on my exH's AmEx account (we both filed individual CH7.) TU was reporting that the account was "paid or paying as agreed", and that the account was "canceled by credit grantor." Those entries were fine, but it showed that there was an open balance of $XX,XXX. I disputed the open balance amount with the explanation that the account was included in another person's BK. TU's response? They deleted the AmEx entry all together.

And, the big one that probably lowered my score:

2) Wells Fargo Mortgage. My exH and I had a joint mortgage with WF. I moved out of the house and he stayed. It was not reaffirmed but he continues to live there and ride-through on the mortgage. TU had the WF mortgage as "included in Chapter 7 bankruptcy" but it also showed the account as still being "open" with a $XX,XXXX balance. I disputed the entry with the explanation that it was included in my BK. TU's response? They again deleted the WF mortgage account.

So, after seeing my disputes were resolved and closed, I checked my scores to see if anything had changed, only to find that my TU score dropped almost 25 points!! Should I have not disputed these entries? I am not happy that the accounts, especially the WF mortgage, were deleted. I just wanted it corrected to show that the account was closed and there was no balance. I considered not disputing the WF entry, as I know that my exH will continue to pay the mortgage but I wanted it accurate and if he was ever late or missed a payment, I didn't want it to come back and bite me in the arse.

Should I do anything or just leave it be?

[Flamingo]

...And, the big one that probably lowered my score:

2) Wells Fargo Mortgage. My exH and I had a joint mortgage with WF. I moved out of the house and he stayed. It was not reaffirmed but he continues to live there and ride-through on the mortgage. TU had the WF mortgage as "included in Chapter 7 bankruptcy" but it also showed the account as still being "open" with a $XX,XXXX balance. I disputed the entry with the explanation that it was included in my BK. TU's response? They again deleted the WF mortgage account.

So, after seeing my disputes were resolved and closed, I checked my scores to see if anything had changed, only to find that my TU score dropped almost 25 points!! Should I have not disputed these entries? I am not happy that the accounts, especially the WF mortgage, were deleted. I just wanted it corrected to show that the account was closed and there was no balance. I considered not disputing the WF entry, as I know that my exH will continue to pay the mortgage but I wanted it accurate and if he was ever late or missed a payment, I didn't want it to come back and bite me in the arse.

Should I do anything or just leave it be?

Your answer is easy - the mortgage account is not closed but is included in your filing (you said the mortgage was joint) and payments are still being made on the mortgage. The agency was reporting it correctly as it was "included" in your BK if the mortgage was joint and is still open with payments being made. When we were in our Chapter 13, our mortgage showed up as being included in Chapter 13 (payments made outside our Plan) but showed the balance, account as open and no late payments. What you did was maybe eliminate an open account which may have caused the point drop. I don't know how you could remedy that unless you call your mortgage company and have them ensure the information gets back on your credit report. Also, disputed items sometimes have a funny way of reappearing (usually incorrect) on your credit reports after they are "removed." You will need to monitor your reports for a while as that is a common occurance for several years after filing.

[cupcake]

Do you think TU would "undelete" the account, if that is even possible?

[Flamingo]

Since they are saying their dispute is "complete" and they sent you an updated report showing the removal of the account, I don't think so. If you go back to redispute, they will advise you to contact the creditor directly. You can try, but there is no guarantee. It's a mess after filing trying to get things organized as to credit reports - it will take some time but it will all streamline out. Note that we were still disputing "errors" two years after our discharge so just be on your toes and don't worry too much about your credit score. That will rise over time if you ensure all payments are made on time for everything and you are prudent and careful about obtaining other credit.

[backtoschool]

Often when you dispute items that have some age to them, your fico score will go down if the items are deleted. The age of the items was probably helping your score.

[kar]

I pulled my CRs again yesterday to make sure everything was still being reported accurately. I found two errors with Transunion and so I disputed them online. Today, I get an email from TU saying my dispute is complete. I logged on and see that TU deleted the two entries I reported as being inaccurate.

1) AmEx account. I was an authorized user on my exH's AmEx account (we both filed individual CH7.) TU was reporting that the account was "paid or paying as agreed", and that the account was "canceled by credit grantor." Those entries were fine, but it showed that there was an open balance of $XX,XXX. I disputed the open balance amount with the explanation that the account was included in another person's BK. TU's response? They deleted the AmEx entry all together.

And, the big one that probably lowered my score:

2) Wells Fargo Mortgage. My exH and I had a joint mortgage with WF. I moved out of the house and he stayed. It was not reaffirmed but he continues to live there and ride-through on the mortgage. TU had the WF mortgage as "included in Chapter 7 bankruptcy" but it also showed the account as still being "open" with a $XX,XXXX balance. I disputed the entry with the explanation that it was included in my BK. TU's response? They again deleted the WF mortgage account.

So, after seeing my disputes were resolved and closed, I checked my scores to see if anything had changed, only to find that my TU score dropped almost 25 points!! Should I have not disputed these entries? I am not happy that the accounts, especially the WF mortgage, were deleted. I just wanted it corrected to show that the account was closed and there was no balance. I considered not disputing the WF entry, as I know that my exH will continue to pay the mortgage but I wanted it accurate and if he was ever late or missed a payment, I didn't want it to come back and bite me in the arse.

Should I do anything or just leave it be?

WF needed to change the mortgage to read as a zero balance and IIB. They can NOT report it as a balance owed period! I would also check your other reports and see what are on those as well.

[whipster1]

When disputing remember that anything you dispute may be deleted, even a positive tradeline.