- Report: #204639
Complaint Review: Asset Acceptance - Warren Michigan
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Asset Acceptance
assetacceptance.com Warren, Michigan, U.S.A.
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Asset Acceptance ripoff Collection on an account already paid off Warren Michigan
I have a collection account that is being handled by Asset Acceptance, LLC for an old home phone account with Ameritech. The account was legitimate, but I am 99 percent certain that I had settled it in 2003. I purchased a car through Ford Credit in October of 2003 and I believe I made sure to have all my collections paid off before I applied for that credit. However, I have no receipt of this. But in 2004, I began receiving new notices from the collection agency regarding this account. I spoke with them on the phone (which apparently I'm not supposed to do), telling them that I was disputing their claim and asked for documentation of the bill. They sent me a copy of three months of bills, the last one dated August 10, 2000. The bill was for 272.49. I also have several statements from Asset Acceptance dating back to September of 2004. The balance on each of these bills keeps going up.
In the September 2004 statement, they say I owe 330.93. In the latest one they sent me last month, my balance is 356.73. My Experian credit report states that the account is in dispute, but it is still hurting my credit scores for all three bureaus. There seem to be inconsistencies in what each agency reports, however. For example, Equifax reports the high limit on the account to be $317, while Experian says it is $356 and Transunion shows nothing at all. And while Transunion and Equifax both say the account was last reported in July 2006, Experian says it was last reported in May 2000.
Also, while Equifax does not show a date the account was opened (I'm assuming this means the collection account), Experian and Transunion both say it was opened in August 2003. Like I said, many inconsistencies, although I'm not sure if they are relevant. This is hurting my credit scores, and I'm not sure if I should just settle with them to take care of it once and for all (even though I know I'm getting ripped off), or actually fight it. And assuming I did pay on it, can they charge me more than the documented balance on the phone bill itself? Any advice would he appreciated.
M
Ypsilanti, Michigan
U.S.A.
In the September 2004 statement, they say I owe 330.93. In the latest one they sent me last month, my balance is 356.73. My Experian credit report states that the account is in dispute, but it is still hurting my credit scores for all three bureaus. There seem to be inconsistencies in what each agency reports, however. For example, Equifax reports the high limit on the account to be $317, while Experian says it is $356 and Transunion shows nothing at all. And while Transunion and Equifax both say the account was last reported in July 2006, Experian says it was last reported in May 2000.
Also, while Equifax does not show a date the account was opened (I'm assuming this means the collection account), Experian and Transunion both say it was opened in August 2003. Like I said, many inconsistencies, although I'm not sure if they are relevant. This is hurting my credit scores, and I'm not sure if I should just settle with them to take care of it once and for all (even though I know I'm getting ripped off), or actually fight it. And assuming I did pay on it, can they charge me more than the documented balance on the phone bill itself? Any advice would he appreciated.
M
Ypsilanti, Michigan
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Steve
Bradenton,Florida,
U.S.A.
Advice for "M"
#2Consumer Suggestion
Sat, August 05, 2006
Asset Acceptance are not only collectors, but are junk debt buyers as well. As far as the credit reporting goes, the credit bureaus have no responsibility for what gets on your report. These reports are automated by creditors and collectors. The responsibility for the errors on your credit reports lie with Asset Acceptance. They have engaged in what is known as "re-aging" the debt. This is illegal and you can sue for damages under the FCRA. The date open can only reflect the date you opened the original account with the original creditor. The date of last activity can be the date of your last payment or the charge off date. Do not do any business on the phone. STAY OFF THE PHONE!!! Only communicate in writing, and by certified mail, return reciept requested. Put the certified# on the letter itself, and keep a copy for your records. Send a DEBT VALIDATION request to Asset Acceptance as per you rights under the FDCPA. In this letter clearly dispute this debt and demand a full itemization of alleged charges as well as an account history. Also demand proof that they own this account and/or have a right to collect it, as well as proof that they are licensed in your state to do debt collections. Dispute the debt to the credit bureaus and just state the debt was paid off, and that they have illegally re-aged the old paid off account. You can sue under the FDCPA for these violations, and also to ftc.gov and file an online complaint. Good luck
