I noticed on my credit report a few months ago that Cavalry Portfolio put a collections on my report for an alleged debt with AT&T wireless. I sent them a VOD and they didnt respond. I sent a letter to FTC and BBB also because i never in my life had an account with AT&T wireless. Calvary then responded to the BBB saying I must have AT&T corp confused with AT&T wireless, which on my credit report it states AT&T wireless. But anyway, they told BBB they was sending the debt back to the original creditor. Why would they do that? Is it because they knew the debt was fake fron the beginning?
2006-07-03 09:44:29 · 7 answers · asked by tiannabooboo 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
I agree with the previous poster, good going on creating a papertrail.
Calvary probably could not get anything from AT&T to prove the debt was yours. (since Calvary usually does not give up that easy) Send a dispute to the credit bureaus on Cavalrys tradeline. Make sure they remove it. If they don't then file more complaints.
You also did great by filing complaints with the FTC and BBB. If there is a "next time" on this, include a complaint to your states attorney general also.
When I say "next time", AT&T "may" sell or transfer the account to another collection agency. So, keep an eye on your reports.
If AT&T is reporting on your credit reports, send them a debt verification letter. Original creditors are not legally bound to respond to a validation letter, but they are bound to answer a verification letter.
Even if they aren't reporting, you might send them a verification letter. Include in the letter something like this: "Cavalry had tried to collect on an alleged debt they claimed I owe. Since I have never had an AT&T wireless account I am requesting verification on this alleged account." Include the account number(s) that Cavarly claims.
I am recommending that just in case someone had used your info to get an account with them.
2006-07-03 11:28:19 · answer #1 · answered by echo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
I am sure they placed it in good faith, but with incomplete backup information or information that was in error. Most likely it is what would be considered bona fide error made in good faith.
However, many reasons could account for the return:
1. The client company did not provide verification of the debt in a timely manner. So the agency determined the debt noncollectable.
2. The client company may have discovered they placed the debt in error and requested the agency return it.
3. The client company may have recalled the debt so as to place it with another agency. Often this is done after a specified period of time.
4. The agency may be terminating their relationship with the client. Unrelated to your debt.
5. The client terminating their relationship with the agency. Also no relation to your debt.
Reputable collection agencies do not waste time trying to collect what is not a lawful debt. A debt collector defines his or her job as bringing an account to a logical conclusion. This definition includes verification of the debt, verification of bankruptcy, resolving disputes and negotiating settlements or payment arrangements.
Good bill collectors know their clients are not always in the right. If they discover the client is wrong, then they will seek to document their findings. This is a workman like approach to the job.
In your case I believe the response to your request for VOD was returning it to the client. No need to bother you any further.
2006-07-14 17:00:56 · answer #2 · answered by donsabe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You as a consumer are protected under the Fair Debt Collections Trade Act. Any debt disputed by the consumer must be validated by the business that reported it.
This is why people must make it a policy to check their credit at least 1x a year. Identity theft, fraudulent reports happen all the time.
The lendor has 30 days to respond to any disputes...No response the Credit Bureau removes from your record!
2006-07-13 08:01:31 · answer #3 · answered by aunt_beeaa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You got good answers so let me add to them. Make sure the comment is gone and does not appear on any bureau. Check it out in the future to make sure it does not reappear. I f you get turned down for credit ask which bureau turned you down and call them to ask what is on your report.
2006-07-12 14:40:49 · answer #4 · answered by Matt G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd like to also add:
Hang on to any correspondence for quite awhile. I had a foreclosure from my ex-husband's previous wife jump back on MY credit report FIVE YEARS after I had it removed!
2006-07-15 05:09:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They realized their mistake and with your written proof, they would be liable. Nice going!
2006-07-03 17:53:52 · answer #6 · answered by Swordfish 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is some useful advice here.
2006-07-04 03:16:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋