Complaint Review: AFNI Collection Agency

I too received a collection notice from AFNI, Inc on January 4, 2007. They "claimed" I owed Verizon over a thousand dollars! (never used Verizon, and in fact, first name on the bill was incorrect!) I immediately tried to call AFNI, (and many times during the first couple weeks of the month) to try to rectify this error. Each attempt, I was connected only to a recording and put on hold. After waiting over 20 minutes each time for someone to actually speak with, I would hang up in frustration. I then tried to send an email to explain the situation, and kept getting the message "can't find website" on my computer. Well, TODAY (after waiting almost 20 min) I finally was able to get thru and speak with someone named Michelle. She was very rude and condescending, as I tried to explain that the first name on the collection notice was not mine, nor did I ever use Verizon. I also explained the area code number on the billing phone # was one that I have never heard of. She said it was a Lancaster, CA phone number (I have never even been to Lancaster and have lived the last 14 yrs at the same residence in Los Angeles!) I told her I would like to see whatever I allegedly signed to create the debt, and she said it goes back to early 90's and that information is no longer available (convenient huh???) She said there was nothing she can do, as it will still show that I owe the debt. This is outrageous!!! What can we all do as consumers to put an end to this harassment and fraud????

Patrice
Los Angeles, California
U.S.A.