Steve
Bradenton,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sat, January 26, 2008
Eddie, First of all, the BBB is totally useless. And they have no power to do anything, as they are NOT any form of government agency. They are a FOR PROFIT business. Thats all. DO NOT use the BBB. It is a waste of time. And, most likely this collection agency is not a member of the BBB. Second, going to the AG is really jumping to the top without first following all of the legal avenues provided to you. The FDCPA governs collections actions at the federal level. The FTC administers and enforces the FDCPA. However, the FTC will NOT represent you on an individual basis. The law requires that you do this for yourself. All you have to do, IN WRITING, is to deny the debt and DEMAND debt validation under the provisions of the FDCPA. DO NOT sign this letter, just print. Send this letter by certified mail, return reciept requested. Be sure to put the certified# on the letter itself and keep a copy for your records. This procedure is VERY important to follow exactly, as it proves exactly WHAT you sent. Now, as soon as they recieve this LEGAL REQUEST, all collections activity must cease, including negative reporting to credit bureaus. In this letter clearly deny the debt. Then DEMAND to see something with your signature on it that created the alleged debt, as well as a full itemization of charges and account history. Be sure they can prove on what dat you entered the alleged contract, as well as what state you allegedly signed it in. This really pisses them off, as they know they would need all of this in court if they chose to sue you. However, I have never seen a collection agency sue for a debt that small. It simply isn't worth it. And, most never send a response to a debt validation request. So wait 30 days from the date they recieved the letter, and then file a CEASE COMMUNICATIONS request by the means above. Then when they violate your legal request, you sue them under the FDCPA provisions. You can get up to $1000 in punitive damages, plus costs. Dont get mad, GET PAID!! You will never know the meaning of the word satisfaction until you get paid by a bottomfeeder! It is sweet! And, NEVER sign the non-disclosure agreement when you get your money. They always try this.