Complaint Review: AFNI Collections - Bloomington Illinois

In all likelihood, this is outside of the statute of limitations in most states, so it is not legally collectible; nor can it appear on a credit report. Read Bud Hibbs' site...there is apparently a "wave" of demands for payment on very old and uncollectible bills currently being sent by this company. Know your rights and don't be bullied into paying something you don't have to--they are banking on the non-savvy consumers who don't know their rights and and can be coerced into sending money.

David, we are a real company and your credit report will be fine. We are a very large collection agency and in turn there are a lot of people who don't like us because we legitimately put things on their credit report and that angers them. Simply put there are a lot of people out there that don't like collection agency's because they owe us money and they have a problem with that. The bill you speak of is very old and that is why we are able to settle on it like you did. If you have not received a receipt on it, you will very soon, and you do not have to worry about it hitting your credit. Though the debt is still owed and can be collected on, it has passed the point where it can be listed on a credit report. You should be at a zero balance where nothing is owed, you will get a receipt, and nothing will show on your credit.

After digging in a little more into debt collectors, as this was my first experience, I found many horror stories of collectors taking much more money than authorized and even some where people's accounts are emptied out. I am fortunate that I was able to get my account closed before Afni tried to take any money. After reading some of the advice on the this page, I checked out budhibbs.com and even spoke to Mr. Hibbs. He is a great guy and told me I was fortunate they weren't able to get any money from me. He has a very good letter on his site that forces collectors to cease phone communication and forces them to produce substantiating documentation. I was also concerned that Afni would try to come after me because I gave them my banking information and then closed the account. But he says they have no basis for a fraud claim against me because my account was closed.

David, As you have already paid this, and paid a settlement, I would suggest that you ask them to send you a release letter. Most "reputable" collection agenices (such thing does exist) will do this. That is to be used as your proof that an agreement was made, and fulfilled to both yours and their satisfaction. These are usually mailed out, but sometimes they will fax one to you if neccessary. If you paid them by check, they will not be able to send this till after the check clears (usually 10 business days).

David, As you have already paid this, and paid a settlement, I would suggest that you ask them to send you a release letter. Most "reputable" collection agenices (such thing does exist) will do this. That is to be used as your proof that an agreement was made, and fulfilled to both yours and their satisfaction. These are usually mailed out, but sometimes they will fax one to you if neccessary. If you paid them by check, they will not be able to send this till after the check clears (usually 10 business days).

David, As you have already paid this, and paid a settlement, I would suggest that you ask them to send you a release letter. Most "reputable" collection agenices (such thing does exist) will do this. That is to be used as your proof that an agreement was made, and fulfilled to both yours and their satisfaction. These are usually mailed out, but sometimes they will fax one to you if neccessary. If you paid them by check, they will not be able to send this till after the check clears (usually 10 business days).

David, As you have already paid this, and paid a settlement, I would suggest that you ask them to send you a release letter. Most "reputable" collection agenices (such thing does exist) will do this. That is to be used as your proof that an agreement was made, and fulfilled to both yours and their satisfaction. These are usually mailed out, but sometimes they will fax one to you if neccessary. If you paid them by check, they will not be able to send this till after the check clears (usually 10 business days).

I called my bank this morning. I explained what was going on and they closed my account as 'comprimised' and moved my money over to a new account. Where does this leave me with Afni, since I was going to settle, before I found out they were probably scamming me? Will this be reportable to the credit bureaus? Is there a law enforcement official I can follow up with? I live in OH, the 'bill' is from NY, and they are located in IL.