John
Burbank,#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, March 08, 2006
This collection agency has brought the entire debt collection profession to a new low. Do a internet search on them and you'll see hundreds of complaints. They generally select a company like ATT Wireless, now defunct after the Cingular acquisition, and randomly select individuals to pursue for a fictitious account, whether that person ever had an ATT account or not. What they do is play the law of averages. They stick an amount like a few hundred collars on your credit report, and hope you'll settle for a fraction of that. If you are victimized by Palisades: A. Don't give them a dime. A paid collection account is almost as bad as an outstanding collection account. Instead, if you owe a balance on any credit cards, use the money to pay that down -- it will raise your score. B. Place a statement on your credit report urging all lenders to do a search on Palisades Collection before judging you. C. Demand debt verification from them by certified mail. Before sealing your envelope, write the certification number on your letter. This will be proof of contact. D. If thy don't respond, file a dispute with the credit reporting agency. Include a copy of this letter. E. File a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. The FTC won't act unless it receives a large number of complaints. If they do receive a large number of complaints they'll act directly and swiftly. F. Find an attorney in your area who specializes in Fair Credit Reporting Act lawsuits and file. Most of them take these cases on contingency. There has never been a lower agency, showing complete disregard for federal law. By following these seps, we, the consumers, can fight back.