Whether you are called a debtor or some collector thinks you can flush one out, you have rights and options. Many are simple to exercise if you only learn how. You are entitled to proof of claim and fair treatment. If you get neither, the collection agency should *not* win your assets. You are granted control of how you are contacted, the right to dispute debt claims, and the means to sue violators at low cost. The FTC and the CFPB can start you on your homework. See also if your state laws grant additional or stronger rights.
official FTC guidance and staff opinions on the FDCPA, PDF copy of the Act
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
CFPB Q&A on debt collection practices
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/search ... debt-collection
See also this FTC alert: "Fake Debt Collectors"
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors
I got a call from this number on valentines day this year. They said that I was to be served papers at work and home for a charged off loan from 2007 in 48 hrs. They offered me a settlement and foolishly I took it. I got a "zero balance paid in full letter" from them, but it did not reference the original creditor's account. They had my information right, so I'm a bit worried that my identity has been compromised. Either way I'm about to contact the Federal Trade Commission and the Texas Attorney General's office to see what I can do. DON'T GIVE THESE GUYS THE TIME OF DAY! Tell them to "Validate" the debt in writing to the address they have on file. Do NOT give them your address or social!
Scott Majors. Arbitration Resolution. 888-958-7668. 210-338-8841
Your "paid in full letter" is worth less than its paper and ink, and you can expect more hustles for unverified or imaginary debts now that the thugs know you're a soft touch. Sadly you had to learn the hard way. Never ask ''How do I pay?'' Always demand, ''Prove I owe!''
If you have a valid address you can derive from that letter or extra research, consider suing the thugs for payback, all on their dime. Almost certainly the "process server" threat was empty and the debt was misrepresented, both solid FDCPA violations.
Whether you are called a debtor or some collector thinks you can flush one out, you have rights and options. Many are simple to exercise if you only learn how. You are entitled to proof of claim and fair treatment. If you get neither, the collection agency should *not* win your assets. You are granted control of how you are contacted, the right to dispute debt claims, and the means to sue violators at low cost. The FTC and the CFPB can start you on your homework. See also if your state laws grant additional or stronger rights.
official FTC guidance and staff opinions on the FDCPA, PDF copy of the Act
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
CFPB Q&A on debt collection practices
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/search ... debt-collection
See also this FTC alert: "Fake Debt Collectors"
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors