Junk debt buyers licensing information in a state

Bossy, it varies according to your state's law. Here in VA, they don't have to be licensed within the state, but for example in WV they do.

I would check with the FTC to make sure they are a registered collection agency. And if they don't respond to the follow-up letter for validation, I guess the next step is to dispute the entry on your credit report since the CA can't validate it. Good luck. :)

I had the same problem with another company. They sent me a letter saying they were attempting to collect a debt and I sent a validation letter back right away because they were showing on my credit reports. After 60 days I received no response so I sent another letter giving them 30 days to validate the debt or I would send all my letters to the credit bureaus to have the debts removed from my credit files. Of course they didn't respond and I sent my info to the credit bureaus. They had no choice but to remove the negatives from my credit file. That might work for you. Just remember to send everything certified mail to the company with return receipt because that is just more ammunition to send to the credit bureaus. I don't know if this always works but it seemed to work for me.

Hi Bossy,

As per the laws in each state, debt collectors have to be licensed in the state in which they are attempting collections.

You can confirm whether a particular collection agency is licensed in your state or not from local attorney general office.

Jenn has given a very nice advice. If you are not getting any response of the debt validation letter sent to the collection agency, you can explain this situation to the credit bureau reporting the account. They will conduct an investigation with the information provider and update your file if it is incorrect.

Do all your correspondences in writing through certified mail with return receipt requested. This will leave sufficient proof of your hard work done to improve your credit file.

Keep us updated on this matter. We will like to hear from you further regarding this matter.

Good to see you again Daivid, I was just thinking the other day I hadn't seen you post in a while!

Junk Debt Buyers (contrary to their own belief) are debt collectors as defined in the fdcpa. As such must comply with all State and Federal laws which govern collectors and the activities.

Therefore, if your state requires collection agencies and/or collectors to be licensed then junk debt buyers also must be licensed. Check your State laws to see what your State's licensing requirements are.

I have heard of at least one state, Minnesota (can anyone confirm this?), which requires the individual collector to also be licensed.

Hi Clay, it's so nice to return back to the community and be with you all guys. I met with an accident last month and am lying in bed with fractured bones. The doc says that I should be in complete bed rest. It's getting boring now. So, I thought of logging back in the forums for some time and be with you'll. :)

I will confirm you with the collection laws in Minnesota in some time.

So sorry to hear about your accident David :cry: Hope you are on the mend soon. Thanks all for the info. They still haven't validated and I am goin to send one more letter,cert., tom orrow, then see what happens. The stupid jerks have been callin all along too. I have kept dates and times and names of when they leave message,and they aren't supposed to do this during validation. But these are the jerks who called Wells Fargo and told them that I needed some financial help :shock: Then Wells Fargo calls me and says Phillips -cohen called,gave me the guys name,and said you might need some help and we can help you!!! 'course I told him I was really pissed off and take a flying leap.You know when this all started in Jan., I told them all I wanted to do is pay this off and make payments,they refused,and now it is end of April. They could have been receiving payments all these months instead of nothing! Then I found this site and now am so much more informed. Thanks to everyone. Will keep you posted,I am just afraid they are going to do what they said,get judgement and garnish paycheck.I'm thinking that since LVNV validated,they think they don't have too. I told them I don't know who you are and I need proof,but no answer,oh well :? Karen

Karen, every CA trying to recover the debt from you has to give you necessary information about your account before forcing further actions. If they fail to give it and threaten further actions, it does not sound legal. Your request for debt validation in writing is an important proof that shows your responsibility of paying the account. But, if the CA fails to give the required info, the judge will always make decisions in your favor if the matter is taken to the court.

Thanks David,sometimes I just need someone to confirm what I am doing and what I know.Will send one more letter tomorrow and see what happens! :) Karen