- Report: #218186
Complaint Review: AFNI Collection Agency - Bloomington Illinois
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AFNI Collection Agency
404 Brock Dr, P.O. Box 3427 Bloomington, 61702 Illinois, U.S.A.
Phone:
866-857-7203
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AFNI Collection Agency AFNI is trying to collect a cell phone bill that is not mine. Bloomington Illinois
*Consumer Suggestion: Gordon, you DO NOT have to prove anything to AFNI!
*Consumer Suggestion: Simple Solution
*Author of original report: AFNI Collection Agency AFNI is trying to collect a cell phone bill that is not mine
*Author of original report: Finally Fixed
*Consumer Suggestion: Gordon, SUE them for damages!
This adds to what I have already read about AFNI trying to extort money from people who did not start, nor had a Cellular One account.
My story is simple. I have lived in a Oregon state for a decade and a half.
I received a letter demanding over 1,000 dollars for a Cellular One account that was started in Nebraska - when? Unknown, but around 1999.
I contacted AFNI and was immediately asked for my SSN and phone number. The person was immediately rude - demanding I give him information - obviously because he was fishing. Wrong! I did not give him ANY of the information. I asked for details about this account, you know, who, address, when and got no answers. I then terminated my call. Fortunately, I have an unlisted number.
Now. I should explain that I am a law enforcement officer. During the time that this account was opened, I was working for my current police agency. I brought AFNI's letter to one of our Detectives who runs background investigations for agency employees. He wrote a letter to AFNI telling them that at no time did I live in Nebraska, and since I had been an employee since 1998, it was not my account and that I had in the past been a victim of Identity Fraud. My background was thoroughly investigated prior to being hired.
I sent this documentation, along with my letter disputing the claim and required a return receipt from the Post Office, signed by a K. Stevens.
Now, today, I receive another nasty surprise letter from AFNI, demanding that I send them a copy of drivers license, copy of SSN Card, Proof of residence at time the account was established (like I'd know!) Since they could or would not tell me when in 1999, or any address, other then "Nebraska" - and WHO here keeps utility bills back that far? They also want copy of tax records and a Police Report - which they already had based on the letter and facts provided by my employer.
Now, Cellular One - has some explaining to do here too, since I have had a Fraud Alert on all 3 Bureaus since 1990. Guess what! If someone opened an account under my name and SSN, they were obligated to call and verify based on the Fraud Alert. No call.
On checking my credit files tonight, I discover that they had placed collections on this account on 2 Credit Bureau Reports!
Despite the fact that I can account for when and where I was during this period, it makes no difference to these crooks, and I will be damned if I will give them my information and jeopardize my family or myself. I know that sounds a bit paranoid - but think about it! This is just wonderful information for a criminal bent on exacting revenge if they can somehow get their hands on it.
I have already prepared a Letter of Verification and will discuss this with the Detective on Monday before sending it out.
For those of you who have been victims of Identity Fraud, like me, I know what you are going through! As for the ethics of this company? Well. My nose smells a crook. Even I, at this point feel powerless to do anything about it, so folks, you got company!
What other options do I have? Other then disputing the entries with Credit Reporting Agencies - is there anything else that can be done? After visiting the IL Attorney General's web site, I'm convinced that they would be no help.
Like most of you - I just want my good name restored.
Gordon
Hillsboro, Oregon
U.S.A.
My story is simple. I have lived in a Oregon state for a decade and a half.
I received a letter demanding over 1,000 dollars for a Cellular One account that was started in Nebraska - when? Unknown, but around 1999.
I contacted AFNI and was immediately asked for my SSN and phone number. The person was immediately rude - demanding I give him information - obviously because he was fishing. Wrong! I did not give him ANY of the information. I asked for details about this account, you know, who, address, when and got no answers. I then terminated my call. Fortunately, I have an unlisted number.
Now. I should explain that I am a law enforcement officer. During the time that this account was opened, I was working for my current police agency. I brought AFNI's letter to one of our Detectives who runs background investigations for agency employees. He wrote a letter to AFNI telling them that at no time did I live in Nebraska, and since I had been an employee since 1998, it was not my account and that I had in the past been a victim of Identity Fraud. My background was thoroughly investigated prior to being hired.
I sent this documentation, along with my letter disputing the claim and required a return receipt from the Post Office, signed by a K. Stevens.
Now, today, I receive another nasty surprise letter from AFNI, demanding that I send them a copy of drivers license, copy of SSN Card, Proof of residence at time the account was established (like I'd know!) Since they could or would not tell me when in 1999, or any address, other then "Nebraska" - and WHO here keeps utility bills back that far? They also want copy of tax records and a Police Report - which they already had based on the letter and facts provided by my employer.
Now, Cellular One - has some explaining to do here too, since I have had a Fraud Alert on all 3 Bureaus since 1990. Guess what! If someone opened an account under my name and SSN, they were obligated to call and verify based on the Fraud Alert. No call.
On checking my credit files tonight, I discover that they had placed collections on this account on 2 Credit Bureau Reports!
Despite the fact that I can account for when and where I was during this period, it makes no difference to these crooks, and I will be damned if I will give them my information and jeopardize my family or myself. I know that sounds a bit paranoid - but think about it! This is just wonderful information for a criminal bent on exacting revenge if they can somehow get their hands on it.
I have already prepared a Letter of Verification and will discuss this with the Detective on Monday before sending it out.
For those of you who have been victims of Identity Fraud, like me, I know what you are going through! As for the ethics of this company? Well. My nose smells a crook. Even I, at this point feel powerless to do anything about it, so folks, you got company!
What other options do I have? Other then disputing the entries with Credit Reporting Agencies - is there anything else that can be done? After visiting the IL Attorney General's web site, I'm convinced that they would be no help.
Like most of you - I just want my good name restored.
Gordon
Hillsboro, Oregon
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Steve
Bradenton,Florida,
U.S.A.
Gordon, SUE them for damages!
#2Consumer Suggestion
Fri, December 08, 2006
Gordon, You suffered real damages here. They need to pay. Sue them now. They only get away with this crap because not enough people hold them accountable.
Gordon
Hillsboro,Oregon,
U.S.A.
Finally Fixed
#3Author of original report
Fri, December 08, 2006
After considerable work, AFNI finally agreed that it was not my account. Of course, they destroyed my credit - what was a 750 Credit Score is now 676. They said they sent me a letter on the 22nd of November and withdrew it from the 3 bureaus on the 27th of November. Never received the letter, although when I called them on 01 December, one person was kind enough to send me a fax dated that day saying that the collection was "closed". I will also state that one lady who works there, was helpfull in getting this mess cleaned up. The entry has since been removed from the 3 credit reporting bureaus - checked today. Finally - this mess is over - except that my credit score was lowered by 75 points. I am still debating on whether to take legal action or not. I have not decided yet.
Gordon
Hillsboro,Oregon,
U.S.A.
AFNI Collection Agency AFNI is trying to collect a cell phone bill that is not mine
#4Author of original report
Sun, October 29, 2006
Just found out, that all 3 Credit Agencies now list this information. I have disputed it with all 3. Now! I see they entered this information to the Credit Bureaus AFTER I provided the proof and letter from my Police Agency Employer. I know this because I pulled my credit files from all 3 upon receipt of the the first letter - nothing there. Entries tell me the date they were entered.
Jim
Mobile,Alabama,
U.S.A.
Simple Solution
#5Consumer Suggestion
Sun, October 29, 2006
You're a Cop, have them arrested for extortion/attempted extorsion, then they have to defend themselves, not you trying to prove them wrong. Good Luck
Steve
Bradenton,Florida,
U.S.A.
Gordon, you DO NOT have to prove anything to AFNI!
#6Consumer Suggestion
Sun, October 29, 2006
Gordon, First of all, Cellular One is in no way involved here. Original creditors very rarely collect on an account in house for more than a year, and usually only 6-7 months until it is charged off. AFNI are JUNK DEBT BUYERS. They buy very old legally uncollectable accounts such as these for far less than a penny on the dollar. Most of these accounts have little or no documentation and everyone with the same or similar name is getting the same letter. That is why you never communicate with them other than upon first contact send your CEASE COMMUNICATIONS request as per your rights under the FDCPA, and on the second contact just file your lawsuit. Also, keep in mind that having an unlisted number does not protect you if you use that unlisted phone to call any 800,888,877,866 toll free number. They have a system in place similar to the 911 caller identification system that can get your full name and address even on your unlisted number if you call them. They pay for this service. The good news is that the alleged account is past the statute of limitations for legal collections. The entry on your credit report for a time barred debt is illegal and entitles you to compensation under the guidelines of the FCRA and the FDCPA which you can read at the FTC.gov website, and you can file your complaint for the illegal collections practices and abuses you have endured. Hint: File a separate complaint for each violation of your rights as enforcement is done based on number of complaints recieved. STAY OFF THE PHONE!! Never speak to any debt collector on the phone! It will NEVER do anything positive for you, and will almost always make things worse. When sending your certified mail, return reciept requested, be sure to put the cerified# on the letter itself, and keep a copy for your records. This procedure is very important, should this go to court. I hope this helps.
