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Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:15 am Subject: Very strange problem

Awhile back, I was a victim of identity theft. It was claimed that I had multiple accounts opened and unpaid. I pay all my bills on time. I have a police report on it.

My credit is pretty much shot, and I don't think I make enough money to be able to hire anyone to help repair it. I don't owe any places money that I know of. I'm able to pay my bills on time every time.

"Something" on my record is hurting my credit. Well, out of the blue, I received mail from Leading Edge Recovery Solutions 2 weeks ago. They claim that I owe 350ish originally to Bank of America. As far as I know, I've never used that bank.

It got sold to Midland funding llc (I think), and then got sold to Leading Edge.

It has been so long, that as this point, I just want it off my record. I called them and explained the situation and that I am more than willing to pay this off. I told them that I would send the check today in the mail. They said that they want me to give them my personal bank information so that they can withdraw the funds immediatly. I told them that it isn't an option (I've heard of numerous law suits against them for taking out more than they should and without authorization). They got a manager on the phone. He told me that they needed the funds today so it would be part of the month of September. If I sent a check, they would receive it in October. Once again, I told them that I would pay the debt by check via mail...no other way. The manager then said he'd update my account claiming that I refuse to pay the money.

I told them that I'll be investigating this, and I then hung up.

I work with (not at) a lot of law firms, so I intend on trying to look into this. I'd like your opinions and advice, however.

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:21 am Subject:

You did the right thing. NEVER give anyone your banking information for an ACH. If they really wanted the money they could have asked you to send a money gram via Western Union. They were trying (but luckily didn't succeed) to get into your account. Hang in there and keep us posted.

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:21 am Subject:

Welcome to the Community Very Happy

Do not send anyone money that you aren't sure if you owe it to them.

You can write them and ask for Debt Validation-you can find samples on this site.

They may not be legally bound to collect this debt, you may not owe it, etc., this is where a DV letter comes in to play.

They will threaten and coerce you into paying- even if it isn't yurs. Don't worry about the threats, but do keep notes and copies of anything to dowith them.

I am wondering why this cannot be disputed on oyour credit report, or have you tried.

Also, you said you have been the victim of identity theft- you want to make sure this is even your debtbefore you pay it, or agree to pay it..Good Luck-let us know if we can help..Karen

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:25 am Subject:

The police department handing my report ended up "forgetting" about me since the detective assigned to it left the department.

How can I go further from here? I'm an honest and honorable person...but still young (23)...so I'm not quite sure how to handle of all this. I know I pay everything on time...and yet my credit is shot. The police report was filled...but then they forget about me. I make just enough to pay my current bills (my credit card interest shot through the roof due to the credit injury), so I'm not sure if I could afford to have someone try to fix my credit.

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:29 am Subject:

Be careful about "paying" someone to fix your credit- alot of them are scams.

Start by going back to police dept, getting a copy of your fraud report, and contact your credit reporting agencie. You need to pull them up and see what is on there, what is wrong, what is right. Dispute a few at a time if there are inaccuracies.Getting off things that aren't yours, that are wrong, alone will help your credit raise.

Good Luck-let us know if you need anything else answered..KAren

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:31 am Subject:

Thanks for the information, and thanks for the welcome! Smile

I'll see what I can do.

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:34 am Subject:

You are welcome- anytime you need help that's what we are here for!!..KAren

Guest · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 12:14 pm Subject:

Forgot to mention this.

The letter says to mail them back a response if I am questioning the validity of the debt.

"Unless you notify this office within 30 days after reciving this notice [I received it a week ago] that you dispute the validity of the debt or any portion thereof, this office will assume this debt is valid. If you notify this office in writing within 30 days from receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of the debt or any portion thereof, this office will obation verifications of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgment and mail you a copy of such judgment or verification. If you request this office in writing within 30 days after reciving this notice, this office will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor."

I responded IN MAIL explaining the identity debt problem and requested ALL information they have on it. I also said that if it was indeed my debt (no idea how it could be), that I would pay it.

They responded in mail saying,

"We have done everything in our power to cooperate with you in the satisfaction of your outstanding balance. There is little indication on your record of whether or not you wish to settle this matter. Your creditor insists we collect your account without further delay. In the event you are unable to remit the balance in full, please contact your office to make alternate arrangements. If you fail to respond to this notice, I will assume that you do not wish to pay this account."

They completely ignored my letter asking them for information.

When I called them, I asked for information on the original creditor. They refused to disclose the information. They said since they bought it from another agency, they didn't have the information. I asked for validation of the debt, and they said it's mine because it's on my SS #. When I offered to pay it, they refused to let me to do so unless I gave them my personal bank account information.

Is there anything I can do about this before I get with the law firms I work with and ask them?

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 1:23 pm Subject:

Did you send your letter certified so that you have actual proof that they received it? If not, send it again while you are still in the 30 day window. I'd also mention it was their second notice and you were sending it certified to ensure it was delivered correctly. Personally, I wouldn't make any further offers or arrangements for payments until you get the proof the debt is yours. I don't believe you can be held accountable based on a soc. sec. number alone.

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 2:18 pm Subject:

Hi there! What state are you in? Some states have improved laws over the FCRA.

If you are good about paying everything on time, then more then likely your bad credit is due to the identity theft. You need to follow up on that asap. LIke in the posts above, get a copy of the police report and order your credit reports. Go over it with a fine tooth comb.

Send validation letters to those that you don't recognize. Don't believe any of that bunk they told you...they are so full of it their eyes should be brown. Laughing

By law you have the right to debt validation. Since you are a victim of identity theft you likely can even request validation outside the 30 day window...You might have to play a little hardball though. Threaten those who won't validate with a lawsuit (but you have to actually be willing to do it in case they call your bluff).

Do everything in writing and always send certified mail return receipt.

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 4:50 pm Subject:

It may not be that they ignored your first letter. Letters that are usualy sent out are computer generated. Requesting information usualy takes time.

I would send them a copy of the police report and make a new one if need be. It takes a long time to recover from ID Theft.

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