These statements are all too familiar. I just received the exact same call regarding the exact same scenario pertaining to a returned item from my bank back in 2002. I did however have a check from back then although it must just take these people a couple of strokes on a keyboard to access these things. The lady's name, supposedly who I had talked with was Julie Walker. It was the exact same phone number as well. I actually gave a lady my debit card number and made a payment arrangement with her although after spotting everyone's comments on this web site I called my bank and cancelled out my card. A person try's to do the right thing and pay off an old debt and it turns out to be a grip of people trying to steal from us. Right before Christmas too no less. These people are sick.
So glad I found this forum. I received a letter today saying:
"Please be advised that this office has purchased the debt listed above." (Loan.com) "We respectfully demand (no such thing as respectfully demanding anything - there's no respect in that) you not contact the former creditor for any reason, instead please direct all future contact to your new creditor."
"This is your official 10 day notice; you have 10 calendar days to remit payment to this office." Goes on to say they will force legal action against me, blah, blah.
First off, no one demands payment in 10 days. Second off, who the heck is Loan.com. Third, how come there's no 800 number for these people. Last, if I can't find you or your company when I google you - you don't exist.
I know it's scary to think we might owe money to people and we don't want to hurt our credit... But this is what those people prey on - our fears.
They do have a disclaimer that the debt can be disputed. At the risk of further contact with these unprofessionals, I'm sending them a letter asking for specific information. No way am I providing any funds to anyone. No way am I getting into a phone exchange - documentation only. I check my credit report monthly and this does not exist on there.
I'll come back and post on here when (if) I hear back from these people.
I got the same letter today. They ask not to contact the original lender, instead to address all communication with this Portfolio Consulting Group. What really scares me is that I just moved to a different state 3 months ago, how they manage to get my new address? I been dealing with these yahoos for a long time, since the phone calls from agent Smith with the heaviest middle eastern accent I ever heard.
If they call, or there is a number to call, tell them that they by law, must send you a debt validation letter (showing original creditor, amount owed, last payment date and whether they are legally entitled to collect said debt in your state). Also tell them they must send you a copy of the contract you signed with the original creditor, showing your signature. If they refuse to send anything, or say they've sent it multiple times (a lie) and that they don't have to send this, then tell them you're reporting them to the FTC and your state's Attorney General. Let them know that if they call you, you will be recording every conversation (even if you aren't going to).
Because you're sure you don't owe anyone, I'm betting they will refuse to provide the legally required information, so you can ignore them. However, it may also be good to put fraud alerts on all your financial accounts as well as with the three credit agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Good for you - demand from them a debt validation letter showing original creditor, amount owed, date loan was incurred and date of last payment. Also demand a copy of the contract with original creditor showing your signature. If they can't or won't give this to you, then they are trying to scam you. If there are any "fake" debts on your credit, you can dispute these with the credit agencies. Bottom line: if a debt collector will not validate any debts you supposedly owe, you don't owe them a thing.