Question about creditor harassment for 3-year-old debt
Date: Fri, 05/26/2006 - 10:40
Hi there-
I wanted to get some feedback and/or advice on my current situation.
Almost three years ago, we traded in my leased SUV a few months early. We paid off the remainder of the lease. Then a month or so later, we received paperwork billing us for an early turn-in fee, along with astronomical fees for "bug damage". The car was not "showroom perfect" when we gave it back, but it was in very good condition. Yes, there were a couple small scratches, but the car was 3 years old when we turned it in. My husband disputed it, gave them a partial payment, and said there was no way he was paying such a ridiculous charge. I have to agree - it was insane. Anyway, we got a few phone calls from credit/collectors but ignored them and didn't pay. This charge has NEVER shown up on my perfect credit score. The phone calls eventually ceased. Well about 6 months ago, I started receiving a phone call showing up "unknown" on the caller ID and a prerecorded message was left saying to please call as they had some "important information" for me. I ignored it for months then finally called, and of course, it's another agency looking for that money. BTW - it's barely $600 that they're asking for. Anyway, now this woman is leaving nasty messages on my voice mail. The last two were "pleae call me by 5 P.M. (or 8 P.M. or another time) or I will render a decision that will affect you directly" (nasty tone, too). As I said this has never affected my credit in almost 3 years. My husband is a banker and periodically checks my score.
Anyway, what is going on here? Any advice on how I can handle this?
Thanks!
I wanted to get some feedback and/or advice on my current situation.
Almost three years ago, we traded in my leased SUV a few months early. We paid off the remainder of the lease. Then a month or so later, we received paperwork billing us for an early turn-in fee, along with astronomical fees for "bug damage". The car was not "showroom perfect" when we gave it back, but it was in very good condition. Yes, there were a couple small scratches, but the car was 3 years old when we turned it in. My husband disputed it, gave them a partial payment, and said there was no way he was paying such a ridiculous charge. I have to agree - it was insane. Anyway, we got a few phone calls from credit/collectors but ignored them and didn't pay. This charge has NEVER shown up on my perfect credit score. The phone calls eventually ceased. Well about 6 months ago, I started receiving a phone call showing up "unknown" on the caller ID and a prerecorded message was left saying to please call as they had some "important information" for me. I ignored it for months then finally called, and of course, it's another agency looking for that money. BTW - it's barely $600 that they're asking for. Anyway, now this woman is leaving nasty messages on my voice mail. The last two were "pleae call me by 5 P.M. (or 8 P.M. or another time) or I will render a decision that will affect you directly" (nasty tone, too). As I said this has never affected my credit in almost 3 years. My husband is a banker and periodically checks my score.
Anyway, what is going on here? Any advice on how I can handle this?
Thanks!
Jen Is this debt within the SOL period of your state? If the
Jen
Is this debt within the SOL period of your state? If the statutes have expired, you have a legal stand and can refuse payment. Make sure that you have not shown any payment activity towards this account with the period of statutes.
Quote:My husband disputed it, gave them a partial payment It
Quote:
My husband disputed it, gave them a partial payment |
It seems your creditor has sold the remainder to a debt buyer. In most of the cases, these debts roll over among different collection agencies/debt buyers. If you ignore this call, perhaps someone else will call you up in future.
Check if the SOL for the said account has expired or not. No one can legally collect a past SOL debt.
BTW, when you made the partial payment, did your creditor accept it? Did they offer any receipt? You can show it as proof that you've paid the account already.
