Can I throw away a collection agency notice?

Question

I just got a letter from a debt buyer (claiming to be a law firm) saying that I owe a little less than 1k for a phone account I never had. What is the worst case scenario if I just throw the letter away and forget it. Last thing I want is for them to know for sure I recieved the letter. I am scared of being harrassed.

Answer 1

Only if you want to ruin your credit report should you ignore the letter.

Answer 2

If you like to deal with "hot messes", then throwing away a collection notice is a good start.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDPCA) is the U.S. statute that governs how collection agencies must deal with you, regardless of the "validity" of the debt. This statute also provides you with certain rights.

The FDCPA requires debt collectors to:

(1) identify themselves and notify the consumer, in every communication, that the communication is from a debt collector;

(2) give the name and address of the original creditor (company to which the debt was originally payable) upon the consumers request;

(3) provide verification of the debt to the consumer UPON REQUEST (though what constitutes verification is not spelled out by the Act); and

(4) notify the consumer of their right to dispute the debt, in part or in full, with the debt collector. Such a dispute must also be reported by the creditor to any credit bureau that reports it.

Sounds to me like the collection agency has fulfilled its responsibilities.

Now, it is your turn to DISPUTE THE DEBT IN WRITING and explain, in no uncertain terms, that the account is NOT YOURS.
You should send the dispute letter CERTIFIED and keep the sales receipt (it serves as legal proof that you disputed the debt).

NOTE: You don't need to pay for return-receipt-requested services.

Now, the collection agency must provide written proof of the debt, like a contract you signed, or cease their collection efforts altogether. This is in accordance with the FDCPA.

You lose the right to force the debt collection to provide proof of the debt when you ignore the collection notices and fail to respond within 30 days.

Ignoring the collection notice only aggravates the situation and make it a bigger problem.

If you are scared of being harrassed or sued, you will respond to the letter with all deliberate speed, using the hyperlink below.

DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE LAW FIRM OVER THE PHONE. Everything should be in writing to protect your rights.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter if you received that particular letter. Trust me. More letters will follow. I'd say you've got another 60 days of ignoring the agency before they give up and put it on your credit. I mean 60 days minimum. It could be longer. If you don't want that debt going on your credit. Give them a call and let them know your financial situation. That will buy you extra time if you need it.

You can do one of three things:

1) Call and set up a monthly payment plan that fits within your budget.
2) Ask if you can settle the acct. for half of the total amount if you offer to make a one-time pymt.
3) By law, the agency has to verify that you actually owe the amount they say they do.They have to contact the original creditor and the creditor has 30 days in which to verify. Otherwise the collector has to remove your acct. and it never goes on your report.

Answer 4

U know what this is just their technique to locate the right person.
I also rcvd a call from an agency that i owe them 25000 $ A/C credit card i explanied him that i dont have this much of credit limit how can i spend this much etc,
then he said oh sorry u r not living there u r not working there oh soryy sorry we r locating -----
similar name with mine only Dif was family name
Any way dont worry about this if u still have any concern call them r write a letter on the adress given to clear this
All the best

Answer 5

a set be conscious could make your score drop! you do not say what occurred with the medical doctors place of work or how they reponded. Do you relatively could make what's an exceedingly stable score bypass down for $122? Your basically different direction of action right here may well be to contest the debt and ask for debt validation under the honest credit Reporting Act, additionally everyday using fact the FCRA. this might positioned a halt onto any negatives being placed on your checklist until the debt is going interior the direction of the validation technique! regrettably in case you pay the debt off, you run the possibility of series agencies nickel and diming you to dying! seem into my internet site. I went by way of plenty in an identity robbery and financial ruin using fact of it, i think of my information may well be of help to you! extra information can't harm you, the extra you recognize the extra effective it gets!

Answer 6

I would definitely save the letter, especially if you are sure you didn't have the phone account. I would suggest contacting them and explaining to them that you have never had the account. If they still insist, tell them that you are going to file a formal dispute. You may want to contact the actual phone company in question, state PUC, Better Business Bureau. It may be good to see if that law firm is even a licensed legal firm.

Answer 7

SAve the letter.
Write to all three credit bureas explaining that you never had this account, and include a copy of the credit letter (keep it). Ask them to have the company provide you the original of your signed authorization. IF they can not in 20 days, they should take it off your credit.
Repeat this process.
Over and over and over.
If it is not yours, you may also call the telephone co or the credit bureas and do a fraud package.
Good Luck

Answer 8

depends if you want to go to court or not