They claim that they need to speak to my attorney regarding "an affidavit being uploaded against you today in the county".
Annoying phone calls
Michael Kay or King, Veronica James, another woman I couldn't understand.
Several different numbers, all with the 301 area code.
Thanks CWG40 I asked for them to send a bill but they informed they couldnt send a bill after i paid i would get a receipt and that would serve as the bill. Then a phone call from them (didnt answer) saying they sent it to the county today and I would be served. Is this a scam for others? Im freakin out a lil I dont want to get in trouble with the courts. Advise please?
This is a long summary, but you need to read it carefully if you think you are being threatened by a debt collector.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) includes statements such as this:
* Every collector must send you a written “validation notice” telling you how much money you owe within five days after they first contact you. This notice also must include the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money, and how to proceed if you don’t think you owe the money. ["Written" means snailmailed ... not emailed or texted] [In other words, they MUST snailmail the validation notice BEFORE you pay, not after!]
* Debt collectors may NOT
- repeatedly use the phone to annoy someone.
- falsely claim that they are attorneys or government representatives
- falsely claim that you have committed a crime
- falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit reporting company
- say you will be arrested if you don’t pay your debt
- say they’ll seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages unless they are permitted by law to take the action and intend to do so
- communicate with consumers at their place of employment after being told this is unacceptable or prohibited by the employer.
- say that legal action will be taken against you, if doing so would be illegal or if they don’t intend to take the action
- use a false company name
- take or threaten to take your property unless it can be done legally;
The debt collector may not garnish your wages unless there is a court order to do so.
+ Many Federal benefits (including Social Security Benefits) are exempt from garnishment
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, the judge can require the collector to pay you for any damages you can prove you suffered because of the illegal collection practices, like lost wages and medical bills. The judge can require the debt collector to pay you up to $1,000,
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General’s office, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
If you KNOW you owe no money, or believe the call was from a fake debt collector, please take the time to read this:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0258-fake-debt-collectors
Their refusal to mail you a bill was all the evidence you need. A notice of validation is required to be mailed to you within 5 business days of initial contact with you. By law. Did you receive one? If not, case closed. They're scammers. If you take another of their calls DEMAND their valid physical address. NOT a P.O. box or a "suite" number at a mail drop. If they refuse to provide you with a physical address, they're scammers. Call your local clerk of court Monday. They'll be happy to tell you if anything has been filed in your name. It's a sure bet that there will be nothing.
Research & know your rights under the FDCPA. It's easy. Just Google it.
Be Safe. Be Aware.
Gunnar
Received a call just as the rest have. As soon as I told them I was a retired Police Officer they hung up. They go mitigate their [***] cause my bills are paid.