Complaint Review: American Agencies

While refinancing my home, I was advised by the mortgage company that there was a ding on all three of my credit reports from American Agencies/Pacific Bell. The amount involved is $970.39 plus $167.01 in late fees. The account number is 3144899. I called American Agencies who told me that my social security number was used to secure a residential telephone in Los Angeles (714)491-3400 in 2003. They confirmed the last 4 digits of my SS number and said that they also had a California Driver License number which did not match mine, however I was told this did not matter because only the SS number is important.

I was very cooperative with AA and answered all of their questions thinking that they were trying to eliminate me as the person responsible for the bill and asked them to mail me a fraud package which they said was required. I did not receive the fraud package but they did send me a bill instead. When I called AA again they denied ever talking to me and they had no request for a fraud package. I discovered through the internet that AA has a horendous history of abuse and has in fact been suspended by the Secretary of State's office and when I confronted AA again on the phone with this information they faxed the fraud paperwork to me.

I filled it out, faxed it back, and called to confirm that it had been received and they said it had and it would likely be cleared up in a week. Two weeks later, AA will not return any of my phone call, the error is still on my credit reports, and my refinance is on hold. I'm at a loss as to what to do next. Who regulates these ripoff companies? How can I clear my credit? Pacific Bell has been no help at all, they sold the collection to AA and they just want my money. I'm not going to cave in to a scam, but what do I do now?

Anamari
cypress, California
U.S.A.