Rachel
Lebanon,#2Author of original report
Thu, October 12, 2006
Thank you, Steve, for the information. I will file with the FTC and stay off the phone. I just wonder if filing with the FTC actually does anything?? Thanks again for your help. I greatly appreciate it!
Steve
Bradenton,#3Consumer Suggestion
Sun, October 08, 2006
Rachel, Yes, it is legal for them to turn it over to another attorney, however, you can sue them for the violations of the FDCPA provisions. Be sure to STAY OFF THE PHONE! Send all communications in writing, and ONLY by certified mail, return reciept requested. AND, be sure to put the certified# on the letter itself and make a copy for your records. This is very important to do it this way. It proves WHAT you actually sent. Now, regarding the "lawyers" that are calling you. This is where you can nail them and get paid. Usually a law office who takes these cases just hire collectors or use paralegals they already have on staff to make these calls. If they identify themselves as attornies, they have violated several laws. And, if an attorney's name is anywhere on a collection letter, that attorney must have "some working knowledge" of the "account", AND make him/herself available to you at your request to discuss the "account". Keep in mind that REGISTERED mail is not required, it is much more expensive than certified mail. Use CERTIFIED mail as stated above. It is illegal for any collector to refuse your request for their name, phone# and physical location. Go to FTC.gov and file online complaints for each violation separately. Remember, STAY OFF THE PHONE!!