Russell Dee
Healdsburg,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, April 19, 2012
I am intimately familiar with The Diamond Center (particularly their credit and collections operations) have known Paul for 20 years (although we no longer speak), and will share the following PERSONAL OPINIONS (NOT LEGAL ADVICE) with you:
1) Paul sold the company over a decade ago. It was sold again after that, and (mercifully) shut down over 5 years ago.
2) Although legal debts can still be collected after a business closes if the accounts are sold/transferred to another individual/entity, they have no authority to do so after the statute of limitations has expired. In the case of consumer credit accounts like these that period of time is seven (7) years from the date of last transaction (such as a purchase or payment, and assuming there is no judgment against you from a court).
3) My advise: Send a letter, both certified/return receipt requested and also by first class mail, to the collection agency. Express to them very clearly that you DEMAND that they cease communications with you immediately (Be specific: "No calls, no letters, no emails, no personal visits). Tell them that you intend to seek legal counsel with the intention of filing a suit (perhaps "class action") if they ignore your demand.
4) They will either leave you alone or, more likely, just pass the alleged debt on to another agency (In which case you'll have to do this again).
Good luck.