Steve
Bradenton,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, October 05, 2006
Sherrie, "Cross America" is just a small time bottomfeeder. However, proper wording and proceedure is very important when dealing with morons like this, as you need proper documentation when it comes time to sue them and/or the credit bureaus. Once an account is sold or turned over to outside collections, the original creditor cannot legally respond to you anyway. STAY OFF THE PHONE. ALL communications MUST be in writing, and be sent by certified mail, return reciept requested. Put the certified# on the letter itself and keep a copy for your records. This proceedure is VERY IMPORTANT! By the means above, contact every credit bureau this entry is on, and clearly dispute the debt, and under the FCRA, demand copies of all communications from all parties used in the "validation" process. This is your right under federal law. Now, also by the means above, sned the same dispute to the collector, and also demand copies of anything you allegedly signed to create the debt as well as a full account history and itemization of charges. Also demand proof of legal right to collect the debt. Demand to see that they are properly licensed in your state to do debt collections, as well as proof that they own the debt and how much they paid for it. If all of this is done the way I described, you will most likely never hear from them again, and it will be off your credit in 30 days.