I excercised my right and disputed the validity of a debt owed that I have no idea about. This was back in May of 06, and within the 30 days as required, I sent the request via certified mail with a return signature request. I received no information back from the collection agency, "Merchant's Credit Guide Co." like I should have under my rights. Apparently they are doing this on behalf of their client "Asset Acceptance", to whom I have this debt with. The original creditor is Citibank (I have never had an account with them). Anyway, it's now Sept., and I got yet another letter trying to collect this mysterious debt from a company who is the "new" owner of this debt---Assest Acceptance, LLC. (Yes, too ironic). In this letter, it states that they are the "new" collection agency for this account, and I have 30 days, blah, blah. What's going on, and do I have to once again respond? What are my rights beyond the initial inquiry I made? Any formidable advice would be so appreciated. Thnks
2006-09-05 13:12:27 · 5 answers · asked by sctrgrl2003 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Unfortunately, you likely would need to respond to protect your rights. It sounds like the first company sold the account to cut their losses once they saw you were contesting the debt.
You will have to do the same for the second company. In this letter however, you should explain that the debt should not be sold to another collection agency, and that they paid for an account that was already disputed.
In addition, you should copy the letter to the original collection agency, the FTC and your state's Attorney General. You do not necessarily have to send those "carbon copy" letters, but it makes a loud statement on the primary letter to your collection agency. Good luck. It sounds like you are dealing with scoundrel collectors.
2006-09-05 13:29:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should right a letter asking for information about the debt to verify whether or not it is yours; many creditors sell bad debts to collection agencies who dont take much care in verifying the debt; depending on how old the debt is ie the last time a payment was made it may not be recoverable 4-6 years depending upon the state.
2006-09-05 20:20:57 · answer #2 · answered by dan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with stopccdebt.
It violates your rights when you have requested validation in a timely manner (within the first 30 days) with "company a" and they do not respond but sell the debt to "company b" then "company b" sends you a dunning letter.
I also agree about sending "company b" a debt validation letter and claiming the account has been properly placed in dispute with "company a" with no response on the dispute from "company a".
I also agree about putting cc to the FTC, your states AG and maybe even "company a and b's" state AG.
If you file the complaints with the FTC and AG's and include the letters, yours and both collection companys.
2006-09-05 21:16:40 · answer #3 · answered by echo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happened to me once.Viacom cable TV said I owed 150.00 buck for a box I returned.To make a long story short,when this guy from the collection agency said I WOULD pay I told him to come by my house and TRY to collect,end of calls.
2006-09-05 20:22:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
These people have done the same thing to me.. it is crazy what they are allowed to do... I have been getting calls on a daily bases.. when I tell them it is not me.. I have never even been in the city they say I owe in... and they will not stop harassing.. Try to write your Atty General office.. and they put a stop to it for me finally.. I even got a letter of apology from them.. Good Luck :)
2006-09-05 20:20:27 · answer #5 · answered by ghill4 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋