Midland Harris and Zide Sueing Pasadena, California
My grandmother was served with a lawsuit from Harris and Zide. She is 85 and does not know how to handle any of this.
They claim they bought a debt from her bank and are attempting to collect. We can not afford to answer.
The only reason for there to be a debt like this on her card is if a bail agency falsely charged her. We explained we had proof that the bail was exonerated but, they said it was insufficient information.
We don't know what step to take next. When we researched this company online, I ran across all the rip off reports and decided to start here for some help.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Concerned Consumer
San Diego,California,
United States of America
Time for a class action lawsuit!!!
#3General Comment
Wed, March 31, 2010
So...I read your report and feel compelled to do something. The exact same thing happened to a friend of mine and he is looking at taking legal action against the bank and the law firm who represented the bank in collections.
Kmmp
Ramona,California,
U.S.A.
Dealing with these scumbags
#3Consumer Suggestion
Wed, March 24, 2010
First, they had to notify your Grandmother in writing that she had a debt and they were trying to collect on it. If they did and she did nothing, they would have tried again, and then called her. Ask her if they did anything like that or if she had ever heard from them.
Then, you need to write to them via certified mail and ask them to verify the debt. Chances are they purchased the original debt from the bail company. Ask them to verify the amount, dates and provide proof that the debt is hers. If they refuse, you can show up for court and explain to them. You can also file a response to the lawsuit yourself by going online to your state government court forms site. Usually the forms are the "fill-in" kind and also apply for a fee waiver with the court. Make sure they have filed in the proper county and that the lawsuit is legitimate. Was it served in person or sent by mail. Civil suits need to be served by a process server in most states.
You can call the original bail company also and show them the letter stating the bail was "exonerated" and ask them to deal with it since it was their fault that it went to collections in the first place.
Don't be afraid of them, they are trying to scare you. You need to do some legwork though to protect your grandmother, they should not be allowed to intimidate her. Do not let her ignore this though, because if the lawsuit is legitimate and you ignore it, the court will render a judgment against her and she has no recourse!
Good luck.