problem with Dell Financial Services - Who Can I talk To?

Back in July, I processed a balance transfer from my Chase card, to pay off my Dell account. In September, I was contacted by Dell that my payment for August was not recvd and my account was pasdt due. I explained that a balance transfer occured and that the account was paid off. They claim there is no record of my payment. Chase doesn't really care about it and DFS has sent me to collections. Ironically, I've been charged about $600 in late charges and fees since July (not to mention my credit is getting trashed), a check arrives in the mail from DFS in the amount of our balance transfer. I did not cash the check, but instead returned it to them with a note to apply it to my balance and take care of the late charges and fees and fix my credit. I was afraid if I cashed the check, I would have no grounds to stand on to get my fees reduced and the credit report fixed and that Chase may view it as a cash advance, not a balance transfer. In any event, here were are 6 months later and this is not resolved. I cannot find anyone to write to at DFS - I'm looking for someone in a mgmt capacity that will help me. I've faxed proof of balance transfer from chase to dfs, at least 4 times to DFS and the collection agency. They tell me they can't read it or never received it. I'm at a loss. The last time I spoke to them, I told them to take me to court and that I would seek restitution also. I'd really like to get this resolved...it's causing me unneeded stress. Has anyone else had a smiliar experience? how did you get it resolved? Who can I write to at DFS?

 

Dude, you're gonna get so much free stuff when you finally get this sorted out. I'm jealous.
Wish I had more help to provide than that.

 

I kind of doubt that DFS will have much to do with it at this point. As I understand it, once they hand it to the collections agency, it'll probably be between you, the agency, and the credit bureaus. So... don't waste too much energy trying to talk to DFS. IMO... forget DFS. I'd concentrate on (1) getting your credit report repaired, and (2) getting the collections agency off your back.

I'm no expert, but I tend to agree with your decision not to cash the DFS check. (Next time, though, write a formal letter instead of just a note.)

I have a few suggestions:

- Chase should have records of the balance transfer, and you should be able to get a copy of those records from Chase (if you haven't already).
- Write a formal letter to the collections agency and attach records from Chase. State that the debt is not valid and insist that the collections agency stop trying to collect. Send a similar letter to DFS for good measure.
- Make a photocopy of everything you send to anyone (letters, etc.) and hang on to it.
- Write a letter to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) explaining the situation, attaching your proof of payment (the Chase records), and requesting that they remove the bad stuff from your credit report. There are websites around that can show you an example credit bureau letter to help with this. Here is a sample letter (adjust it to your needs): http://www.creditinfocenter.com/forms/sampleletter1.shtml . More sample letters: http://www.creditinfocenter.com/forms/
- Your dilemma is more of a credit/finance issue than a techie issue. Find an internet discussion forum that's specifically geared toward dealing with creditors and collections agencies, and ask your questions there. You'll probably find people who are pretty knowledgeable about this stuff.
- Also search Google for more info on dealing with collection agencies.