calls received post-DV
Date: Mon, 06/29/2009 - 10:18
I began receiving calls from an office claiming to be an "investigator" last month. They claim to be representing someone who owns a debt origninating from First USA. The First USA account was closed in 2006 and the last communication I have from them stated a debt of $154, the office calling me claims this debt is now over $5000 (interest & attorney's fees). They have told me they are not required to validate the debt because they are not a collection agency, they are an investigator (this did not stop them from offering to let me pay the debt in full over the phone.... sounds like a collection agency to me). They make threats to file the case with small claims if I don't pay "within 48 hours" and site a case number on their messages. I have yet to receive anything from anyone (courthouse or collection agency) in the mail regarding this.
I have not been able to get an actual company name out of these people, although I did finally - after repeated requests - get a mailing address to send a DV letter. When I was able to get the operator to give me the mailing address she gave me an individual's name as addressee, not a company name. The letter receipt indicates they received it on June 12. I have yet to receive anything in writing, however I have received at least 2 more collection calls since June 12.
What should I do now? They keep leaving messages on my home phone which is checked during the day by my elderly mother. The messages scare her and I have to keep reassuring her that I am not being sued.
I have not been able to get an actual company name out of these people, although I did finally - after repeated requests - get a mailing address to send a DV letter. When I was able to get the operator to give me the mailing address she gave me an individual's name as addressee, not a company name. The letter receipt indicates they received it on June 12. I have yet to receive anything in writing, however I have received at least 2 more collection calls since June 12.
What should I do now? They keep leaving messages on my home phone which is checked during the day by my elderly mother. The messages scare her and I have to keep reassuring her that I am not being sued.
It sounds like a scam to me and I would treat them like one unti
It sounds like a scam to me and I would treat them like one until and unless they start acting like a legitimate business. File a complaint with the FTC, the FCC, and your State Attorney general. If you ever talk to them tell them that you think they are a scam and you have filed a complaint with your Attorney General. In the meantime, send them a Cease & Desist letter (also Certified, return Receipt). If they contact you after you get the green card back, sue *them* (there would be $1000 plus possible court costs and attorney fees in it for you - there are many attorneys who would gladly take the case pro bono).
