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I have a question. I have a debt with ATT wireless. I had opened the account in july of 2000. the account was closed as of Dec. 2003. Palisades got the account in april 2004 and when I looked at my credit report it showed that i owed a balance of 1,637.00. Last month I was checking my credit account and it showed another collection agency of Cavalry Portfolio, and the were collecting under Cingular Wireless which I never had an account with. Since I know that ATT had emerged with Cingular. They say I owe 308.00 Is it legal for them to them (att & cingular) to use two different collection agencies to collect on the same wireless number? Can they possibly get away with doing something like this to us?

[curlycarl]

Hi raysta101

Most of the items are disputed when it is regarding Palisades, AT&T or cingular. It is possible that different CAs can attempt collections but only one agency can collect for an account at one time. Two different agencies cannot collect for the same account.

To make sure that the CA is having your legitimate account details, ask them to validate the debt in writing so that the original creditor is identified along with all account information.

You must send this request in writing through certified mail with return receipt requested. Doing this, you will be sure that the agency has received your request and need to provide you the proof. If they fail to do so, you can explain the situation to the credit bureau reporting them. They will run an investigation with the CAs and the OCs and get the accurate account details. Once the details are verified, it will be posted in your credit file.

Don't make any payment agreement until you have review the account. Also, this debt might be out of the SOL period depending upon the date of last payment activity. So, you must check the state laws before making any commitment.

[staffordprofessional]

Thank you so much for that information. before I had posted this information, I had just got into an arguement with one of the collectors from Palisades. I had to call back and ask for a supervisor, which told me they will mail me the information that I need. I heard so many stories about them. Fortunitely I got the supervisor's name and the information when services was started. Should I get the information from ATT as well and verify everything including contracts and the exact amount that i owed?

[curlycarl]

It will never hurt knowing the details of the accounts from your own side. While inquiring about the accounts, you show your responsibility to pay the debt but if it is a legitimate one. Inquiring does not mean that you can be forced to pay anything the company says. So, be sure that you don't make any commitment until you have everything correctly put in paper.

[curlycarl]

Hi staffordprofessional

Good to see you joining the community! I am sure you will learn many things here and enjoy your stay with us.

[staffordprofessional]

I appreciate this information. Had I have known about you earlier I would have asked this question. I happen to try to find palisades collections and came across your forum. It's really good to know that there are people like myself that are trying to establish their credit, with out the abuse from the collection agencies. What if you need to report such abuse from a collection agency where do you go and do this?

[curlycarl]

Hi staffordprofessional

All the illegal practices of collection agencies should be reported to the FTC, BBB as well as the local attorney general office in your state. Send your complaint in writing and request the bureaus to investigate the company. Palisades has many consumer complaints against them. With so many complaints against them, I presume this company will be shut down sooner.

I asked a question about their collection agency and if they could garnish your pay check - I have not heard anything yet - need response quickly and who is Richard Cash from Sonic?

[staffordprofessional]

I want to send a request to palisades of the original contract and how they come up with that amt. How do I obtain their address to send them a certified letter. They have so many addresses, that you don't know which one to send it to.

[john]

Hi staffordprofessional

Where did this account take place? You can send the request at the address below?

PALISADES COLLECTION, LLC
210 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone: (201) 567-5648
Fax: (201) 567-2203

Palisades Collections
PO Box 105460
Atlanta, GA 30348

[staffordprofessional]

I have another question. Can any collection agency ask for a down payment for the debt you owe? if so, how much can they ask for and is this illegal to do that? Also, is it true if you send in a payment for your debt you owe, whether it's $5.00 or $20.00 do they have to accept it no matter what? Some one has brought that to my attention. I just wanna know for my personal information too... Thanks.

[Gretchin]

There are no set rules that collector has to accept what you offer. But since you are making efforts to pay the debt, it counts the most. While you send the payment, make sure that there is proof of it. You can send through check using a registered mail. If the company cashes the check, your proposal will be considered accepted. If they don't, there will be proof of your efforts made to clear the debt with the company. You will find yourself comfortably placed.

[staffordprofessional]

I faxed cavalry the letter for validation of the original contract and sent a certified letter to Palisades. Once I get the information, should I compare it and check to see who is lying or telling the truth here?

[john]

Yes staffordprofessional,

You must pay to that agency only that has the details of your account. Many companies try to scam people without having any legitimate details. You must make sure of paying that company only who has the proper accounts info.

I would contact AT&T to find out what comapny has the debt and dispute the other off of your credit report.

Multiple posts on the same topic removed - Mike