Rannefeld & Associates
Date: Thu, 02/28/2008 - 11:30
I was contacted by this Law Company 5-6 months ago regarding a defaulted account. The man I spoke to demanded payment in full of $4,500.00 that day or they will take me to court and embarrass me in my town. We agreed that I sent them what I could ($700) at that time given my financial situation. I proceeded to send them 2 additional payments ($800 each) the following 2 month before getting a call from the GM saying that they wanted to work something out. He then stated a balance of $5,000+ but was willing to settle for $3,200. I told him that amount was more than what I was told before. He claimed that the person was not authorized to give me that amount and was let go. I once again, informed him that I could not raise that kind of money all at once and agreed to send them 2 more payments of $800.00 and once I do my taxes I will try and pay the balance. Well, I called them as promised on Monday and got a call back from someone today. This new person stated that my balance is now $8,000.00 (OMG) but she was willing to settle for $4,200. I informed her that could not be correct and I was quoted an amount just 2 months ago of $3,200.00 and I send over those 2 months $1,600. So the balance should be $1,700. She agreed and I informed her that I would be able to pay that in 2 weeks once I received the Tax return. She asked me to hold on a minute and once she came back said that would not work and I will have to settle the account for $4,200.00+. I asked why and she stated that was what the GM told her. I ask to speak to him and she said I could not.
Anyone have any idea what is happening here? So far, I have sent these people $3,900 on a credit card that I defaulted on that was $6,000.00 at most. Why are these people giving me different amounts each time I call to settle the account? What can I do? Do I have no rights here?
Welcome to the forum Albanbra. Sounds to me like they are try
Welcome to the forum Albanbra.
Sounds to me like they are trying to milk you for everything that they can. I would suggest that you send them a validation letter certified mail, return receipt requested. This will make them give you (among other things) a breakdown of the amount that they claim you owe and how they calculated it. You can find a good template for one in my signature. If they can provide you with validation then compare it to your bank records and the payments that you have sent them.
It is a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for them to misrepresent the amount owed. It looks like you might be entitled to a sizable refund as well as $1,000 in statutory damages, plus punitive damages, attorney fees, and court costs if you decide to sue them.
I would definately DV this company, for one from the very get go
I would definately DV this company, for one from the very get go they threatened and intimidated you into making those payments and they think they got a cash cow. I would seriously follow it up agressively, as far as it looks like this company stole money from you.
If they can't provide those documents, you should take them to court to recover not only the money they bilked out of you, but collect from thier many violations.
