Complaint Review: AFNI INC

So my wife receives a collection letter from AFNI, INC stating that we owe them $142 viz an account with Verizon New York Inc. First I call Verizon to find out if this was true. Verizon states that all the info they have is that it was an adress from when my wife(under her maiden name) lived in our college town...in 1994. They admit that they sold all delinquent accounts to AFNI and to contact them, they actually transferred me to AFNIs line...1888-879-6810.

Then I speak with an AFNI rep. She states that the account was delinquent and final notice was sent in MAY OF 1994! I ask her to send a bill proving this and she says "Sir, by law I do not have to send you anything but a validation letterm which states that our representative and one from verizon agreed you owe this money."

She was rude. She was obnoxious. She wants me to send AFNI money for something I dont believe we owe without any proof. How can Verizon actually do something so stupid. A reputable company like Verizon dealing with some no name collections agency that when you do a google search, all you find is the word SCAM associated with them. Shame on you Verizon.

Anyone have an idea as to what to do with this??

I'll admit I laughed at the AFNI rep when she said "1994", so did the Verizon guy. Will this show up on my credit report as well? Thats all I am worried about.

Good luck to all that receive this type of letter. According to one friendly verizon guy, A LOT of calls have been made to them complaining of this issue, and they simply cannot help at this time.

Mat
Mahopac, New York
U.S.A.