I owe $709.99 for what?

Question

I got a paper from a collection agency today for some... I don't even know what it is or who it is or what they do.. company, saying I owe them $709.99. I have NO IDEA what it is. Never even heard of the place that handed it over to the collection agency. What should I do??

Answer 1

write to the credit bureau and dispute the charge, they will investigate, if they don't fine anything against you, they will erase the item from your credit report.

:> peace
.

Answer 2

There's a good chance it's just a scam. You can call them, but if you do make absolutely sure you don't give them any personal information--not your social security number, not anything. Only have them read you the info they already have and verify it.

If it seems legit, don't try to handle it over the phone. All your communications should be in writing, preferably registered mail. Keep copies of everything. Ask for the paperwork of who you're supposed to owe and for what. Here is a sample letter asking them to validate the debt:
http://www.creditinfocenter.com/forms/sampleletter9.shtml

You should also monitor your credit report. You have the right to one free copy per year from each of the credit agencies--you can get all three at once or (a good idea) spread them out over the year:
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

Answer 3

First of all, you need to call the collection agency, because that allows you to put the charges into dispute. I believe that they have to disclose the information about where this money is owed and how you incurred the charges. It may be that your account was mixed up in error. But if you ignore it, it is the same as saying that you agree that you owe the money.

So, call and get the information and then dispute the charges if you find out you don't owe the money.

Another issue, it's possible that someone might have stolen your identity and charged things in your name. So, as someone else mentioned, pull a credit report.

Answer 4

Contact them by using the information listed on the paper. For best results, send a certified letter to the address and dispute the debt. The credtor has 30 days to respond back to you and show proof that you owe the debt and that the original creditor gave them permission to collect. Make sure you check the date and ensure that you have not passed the statute of limitations for your state. The link below contains sample dispute letters and other useful info.

Answer 5

I recently saw an article in the newspaper very similar to this situation. The creditor must prove to you that you owe the money. Ask for a copy of the bill, loan documents, credit card bill or whatever the case might be in order to prove the debt.

DO NOT under any circumstances send them any money. Sometimes scam artists will say "As a show of good faith send me $20 and I can ask my boss to work out a payment plan" or "Well, you really owe us $700, but send us $100 and we will call it even". If you send them money a court might interpret this as an admission that you owe this debt.

Answer 6

The very worst possible advice you could get would be to call them. Never communicate with a debt collector over the phone.

What you need to do is write a validation letter. That is the proper way to ask a creditor to give you evidence that the debt belongs to you. Never do that by phone.

The Fair Debt Collection Practice Act (FDCPA) requires a creditor to cease further communiction with you and cease any collection efforts until they have responded, in writing, to your validation letter.

Here is the applicable text of the Act:
FDCPA Section 809. Validation of debts [15 USC 1692g]
(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

Answer 7

There should be a contact number on the form. I suggest calling them and ask them to provide proof that you owe the money. They must give you proof, usually a copy of the original bill or the collection notice they were sent from the original submittor.
Once you have this document, you can contest the charges, otherwise they need to write it off. If you have a common name, it could very well be someone elses. Good luck

Answer 8

Obviously, none of us know what it is, but the agency that sent you the notice knows. Call them.

Companies turn over long past due accounts to collection agencies and they attempt to collect the debt.

There is that possibility that this is identity theft and you need to take action now to save your bacon.

You are going to have dispute this and you have to know what and who you are dealing with. The collection agency has to provide you with this information. Once you know this, you can contact the credit bureau and notify them of this and protest it.

Good luck!!

Answer 9

Call the Collection agency and they'll give you the information you need as to what this $709.99 is in reference to. I would also, go on-line to free credit report and check your credit to see if there are accounts that you have not opened and report it.

Answer 10

America may be different but I would contact them immediately and ask them who these people are and what you are supposed to owe them. If you get an unhelpful answer ask them to supply you with proof of the debt. In England we have Citizen's Advice bureaus who would take this up on your behalf. If they can't furnish you with proof say OK take me to court, they will then have to prove their case. Don't let them rattle you stay calm and insist on them supplying you with the information you require.

Answer 11

First, call them and dispute it. Then today, go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com and look at your credit report from all three bureaus. Pick dispute. The credit bureau will then notify the company.