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Just received a call from a Mr. Martin at the Law Firm of Fred Kelly regarding the severity of an issue with my SS# attached to this. Does anyone recognize this phone # or the name. He states his office will be open until 7 p.m. and I should contact him today. Don't they have to send me something in the mail to validate the debt or can they just harass me at work? I thought I had all of the debts taken care of and then another issue arises. The ext. was 202. Please help because I've already been scammed once.

Thanks!

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:23 pm Subject:

Hi gardnerjl

Welcome to the forums.

Since your SSN# is attached to this account, you need to know the details of this account. Call them and request for a debt validation letter. This will help you to get the accurate picture of this account.

You need not to make any payment agreements as long as the company has truly identified this debt. Request for their mailing address and get this account validated.

Regards
Roxette

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:16 pm Subject: Validation Letter

When I call them back won't they demand $$$$ I don't have any to send them this month and don't want to be harassed at work. He stated he needed to advise me of the severity of this account?

I don't want any more headaches from debt collectors at work. They have to send me something in writing before they can act, correct? I requested that from another bill collector and they said that in the meantime they would proceed with the action of what they deemed necessary. Is this just a scare tactic?

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:32 pm Subject:

They should not demand $$$$$ unless you have verified the debt validation letter relating to this account. And moreover, you will get 30 days if there is anything to dispute on it. If the CA demands for money, tell them that you won't make payments unless you go through the details of the debt account.

Yes, they will have to send you in writing before they can take any actions against you. If any agency threatens you with legal actions before the debt is validated in writing, you will have to take precautionary measures on that note.

If they call you at work or home, inform the caller that you are recording the call for legal purpose. State the point that you have requested for debt validation which is not been served to you. You will necessary points to defend yourself if the matter is taken to the court.

If you don't call them, they might perhaps, take some actions that can go against you. So, you should place the call to them and request for what is necessary regarding this account.

Also, send a written letter to the company requesting for the same info. Send it through certified mail with return receipt requested. You will have proof of your actions being taken regarding this account.

Do you have their mailing address?

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:35 pm Subject: Address

No, I don't have their address or even the correct contact name. I will forward the letter but do I need to call them, also. I understand my rights but the last time I contacted the party that called me they threatened me with court proceedings while I was researching and validating the debt...I don't want that hassle or headache again.

Thanks for your prompt response. It is greatly appreciated. Do you have the address and contact person. The gentleman spoke so quickly it was hard to hear. There maybe a message at my home phone also.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:40 pm Subject:

Do not fear or get nervous while calling them. I can understand from your past experiences with other collection agencies but this is the only option for locating them accurately. Check in your home phone if they have left any address to contact them.

I have searched for them online but lack of proper information is not giving me accurate results.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:41 pm Subject: Contact

I will go home this evening and check the machine for a message from them. IF they left one there maybe the message will be more detailed. I will contact them tomorrow. I believe within a day should be OK. I cannot contact them during the workday because my workplace is a cubicle environment.

Thanks again for your assistance!

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:44 pm Subject:

Do not use the work phone. Use a payphone to call them.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:47 pm Subject:

I won't. I will use my cell phone and block the number, won't that work OK. If not, I will call from a pay phone at lunch time....

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:49 pm Subject:

Cell phone number will get entered in their system and they might try to misuse it later. I fear if they sell it to any other agency later.

Payphone will be the best option.

KarmaPolice · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:18 pm Subject:

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 7:16 am Subject: Comment

I was not trying to not have someone get ahold of me but being harassed at work by a bill collector is a bit overwhelming. They did not leave a message at home. Thanks to KarmaPolice for their information regarding people getting ahold of your #'s because I wondered how one bill collector got ahold of my parents' phone number and not only harassed me at home and at work but at my parents' house as well. It is not that I am unwilling to pay back the debt, it would just be best to let me deal with it myself without being harassed.

Thank you.

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:11 am Subject:

One thing I might want to mention is that you cannot block 800#'s. This is a protection issue to avoid threats towards agencies. However, if you had their local you number, you can block the number with the *67.

Do you have any other contact information about this "law firm". They only answer law office when you call, so it could be another name or an actual collection agency similiar to Anthony Galloway or Ted Crosby.

Regards-
Mike

Guest · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:01 am Subject: Other Number

There was another number on my home phone that I believe may have been them, it began with 713 and I forget the rest. When I looked it up on the computer it showed a collection or recovery company/law firm in Texas. I believe they are like the others. I will contact them shortly but this is the first contact they have attempted to make towards me.

Thanks for the note on the 800#. If you call them and use *67 it still shows the #?

I appreciate everyones input.

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:08 am Subject:

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:05 am Subject: Mr. Martin

I just received another voicemail at work from the Mr. Martin telling me I had until 7 p.m. tonight to return his phone call and attempt to proceed with a payment in full of the balance due, over $1,000. I have never borrowed that much from a pay day loan company ever. When I can them back can I ask for validation in writing? I did receive one letter from them but they didn't state when this account was activated, etc. I have already been scammed by these bill collectors and although I want to make payment arrangements to pay off my debts, I want to do so with the right people and for only what I owe.

How do I move ahead with this. Additionally, I have been paying off other debts slowly but have received no statement from the company showing my payments. Can I not request this in writing before send any more money?

Please HELP.
Thanks!

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