Capital Acquisitions And Management Company CAMCO ripoff If this happens again I will talk to a lawyer before I call them. Rockford Illinois
They sent me a letter saying that I owed 10,677.98 on a debt that that was in 1991. They said they would settle for 1,988.00 if I would wire the money western union immediately or it would go on to my credit report as bad credit. I have a very good credit report and they checked it and said that I had enough money on my credit card to pay it. I was so afraid to have a bad credit report I paid the debt.
I thought all was well and a few days later I received an other letter that said I owed 8,824.88 and that they would settle for 2,775.07 if I would pay right away. I thought it was a mistake so I called them up and the said it was another debt that I owed from 1992. They woud settle it if I paid 1,000.00 today. I asked if I could have a couple of days so I could asked a lawyer for some information on what I should do.
The lady said that if I didn't fax my credit card number to pay 1000.00 today that the debt would go to 8,824.88. so I sent them the faxed them the information.
I didn't know what to do, but I didn't want to have a bad credit record. I don't know what the money was owed for but one was in 1991 and the other was in 1992.
I feel like I have been ripped off.
If this happens again I will talk to a lawyer before I call them.
David
muncie, Indiana
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Lifter
Los Angeles,California,
U.S.A.
Debt Validation is Your LEGAL Right!
#2Consumer Suggestion
Tue, September 23, 2003
"I don't know what the money was owed for but one was in 1991 and the other was in 1992."
My friend, don't EVER pay anyone unless they
validate an alleged debt.
Camco (a.k.a. Scamco) is infamous for collecting
on time barred debts. If they did indeed
threaten your credit, they are liable. It's
illegal. Furthermore, they also have a reputation
for persuing debts that were PAID OFF or cleard
in BK. It could have very well been a couple of
bogus accounts that they bought for 5 cents on
the dollar. Who knows.
The absolute worst they can do to you is put an
inquiry on your credit report which you can
dispute. They CAN NOT place the collection
account back on your credit report once it's
beyond the statute of limitations UNLESS you
make a payment.
Their idea of validation is a signed document that doesn't PROVE anything. It will
state how much you supposedly owe and to whom and
little else.
It's your RIGHT to insist on conclusive and
compelling proof. Period.
You have the right to see the contract with the
original creditor which bears your signature and
also proof that they have a right to collect on
a purchased debt (underlying obligation) AND
proof that you actually recieved the money that
they claim you owe (reciept of funds).
Sounds to me like you were an easy target. I'm
very sorry. You must be an honest and trusting
person. Bless your heart. Really. But never forget
that these people are walking a VERY thin line.
They are sharks that prey on peoples past mistakes
and good faith. They break the law frequently
by using illegal tactics and know they can get
away with it because most folks won't step up
to the plate and DO anything about it.
DO NOT. DON'T. DON'T EVER... agree to pay them
a cent if they call back with yet another claim.
DON'T be intimidated by them. They CAN NOT sue
you, place an entry on your CR, attach wages or
ANYTHING. The law does not permit them to persue
anything other than "voluntary payment".
They are powerless.
You'll be reading quite a bit about filing
complains with the FTC, the state AG and so on.
Do it. Don't forget the BBB in Illinois.
Do anything and everything to get PROOF that you
owed what they say you did.
If you're tough and don't quit, you might just
get your money back with interest and a settlment
besides.
Good Luck,