Complaint Review: Experian Cavalry Portfolio - Costa Mesa California

Please note: ?PLEASE NOTE: If you read this and are having similar problems with Experien or cavalry, please file a report with the FTC: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/filing-a-report.html

OR by phone: 877382-4357

I am the victim of mistaken identity and identity theft by Experian and Cavalry Portfolio. My credit report includes a collections record for someone else with a similar name, apparently attached to my social security number by Experian.

My husband and I live in difference states (he's in CA and I'm in RI). We own homes in Southern California and Rhode Island which we wish to re-finance. Credit reports where run and it was discovered that my report shows collections activity. The initial creditor was AT&T, who had a client with the same first and last names as mine, but a different middle name. She lives in a mobile home park in a city in S. California where I have never resided.

AT&T lists an outstanding bill in the amount of $137.00. This debt was then sold to Cavalry Portfolio who forwarded information to Experian, who listed the collections activity on my report.

I have never been contacted by Cavalry, either by phone or mail (they do niot have my contact information). This collection activity does not show up on my Equifax or Transunion reports. In the past, I only checked Equifax, so although Experian has listed this for 2 years, I have been unaware of it.

When I spoke with employees at Cavalry, they refused to give me any information. Indeed I was informed no fewer than 6 times by 3 different employees that it was illegal for them to provide me with any information about the debt being collected (this is untrue and it is illegal). I was told by 4 employees that I was required to FAX them a copy of the first page of my credit report so they could verify the information (also not true). I refuse to do so. I was spoken to in a rather aggressive manner and bullied by Abe in the compliance department (illegal), so I asked to speak to the compliance department manager, Anthony Aquilino, who has not returned my call.

Cavalry only has a partial address (street, city and state, but no a space number, nor do they have a phone number). One employee indicated they do not have a social security number.

When I spoke to employees at Experian I received shocking information. Apparently, when Experian received the information from Cavalry they attached the collections activity to my social security number.

It was explained to me by Regina (an Experian employee) that all they need is a name and address. Although my record never showed residence at the address in question nor have I lived in the city in question, because there was a match of first and last names, they could attach this collection activity to my social security number.

I pointed out to the employees at Experian that there was no record of my living at the address in question. They said there was: as reported by Cavalry. When I pointed out that the only reason that address was

listed was because Experian assigned it to my record without a social security number, they became evasive and retorted that it was under dispute. I asked twice asked to speak with a supervisor who could explain to me why collections had been attached to my report without a social security number for verification. I am still waiting for a phone call from the supervisor.

This is, in my eyes, theft of my identity by Experian:. I cannot believe this is legal or ethical.

Then, whenever a credit check is run, they report the collections activity that they created on my record.

I initiated a dispute with Experian. It will take 30-45 days for them to determine if this is my debt.

I also reported this to the FTC. The women I spoke to were very helpful and an investigation has been initiated, they even suggested a class action suit. But it's a governmental agency, so who knows when I may hear from them.

Cavalry will only bully me.

At&T doesn't care: they sold the debt and got their money.

So, my ability to get my home re-financed and my credit report are compromised. I have several options, not of which are palatable.

1. I can wait 30-45 days while Experian resolves the dispute I initiated. Bear in mind that they are the likely source of my problem. It is also possible that they would find in my favor.

2. I can pay Cavalry and have my record updated. This will not happen.

3. I can FAX Cavalry a copy of my credit report and hope that they decide that person they are looking for is not me. This will not happen. (I will not FAX them information about me that they do not currently have).

4. I can send validation letter to Cavalry, demanding verification that this debt is mine. I am reluctant to do this as they do not have my address and phone number. Moreover, I am looking of at least 2-3 months of continued collections on my reports.

5. I can go ahead and refinance, but a check might have to be cut to pay the collections. I can try to recovered the money later once everything is resolved. Why should I pay a bill that isn't mine, to clear a collections that should never have been put on my record?

The irony is this: It took me all of 20 minutes to locate the woman in S California who shares my name. I gave her a call. She's a sweet little old lady who still has phone service with AT&T.

Can you help me?

Me in ri

Warwick, Rhode Island

U.S.A.

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