Debtconsolidationcare.com - the USA consumer forum

How do they know-- is it legal?

Date: Fri, 01/18/2008 - 18:53

Submitted by anonymous
on Fri, 01/18/2008 - 18:53

Posts: 202330 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 18


I have been recieving calls from asset acceptance llc for a few months now, on a near daily basis, which I let go to answering machine. Sometimes they leave a message requesting I call back, other times they hang up. Today I recieved a letter claiming that this debt is from a department store credit card I had in 1995-96. Admittedly, I do believe that this credit card debt was never paid. HOWEVER-- my concern is that the letter I recieved begins thusly:

Dear Erica -----: We believe you have recently obtained a new credit card.

They then proceed to attempt to convince me to transfer my outstanding debt to the new card, and if I do so by a specific date, recieve a 25% reduction on the total owed. My question is how are they in the know of my newly aquired credit card, and is this a typical practice? Is it an invasion of my privacy or consumer rights, or simply someting that appears on my credit report? I am attempting to rebuild my credit, pay off old debts, and have in fact recently obtained a new credit card.


they probably saw your credit report. ask them that if you dont transfer your loans on the new credit card as they are suggesting, then what happens? as you said the credit card belongs to 95-96, ask them what has to be done if you want this matter solved separately, considering the fact that you do not want to go into complications with your new credit card.


lrhall41

Submitted by laurel188 on Fri, 01/18/2008 - 23:51

( Posts: 110 | Credits: )


Erica
They watch your report with eyes of a hawk, if you decide to deal with them. There are things that you should be aware of.

collection agencies can be just down right rude and ignorant, I think a lot of the collectors work on a commission basis. The best thing to do is to get to know your rights and as soon as they cross the line, let them know that your are aware of your rights and that you will not tolerate the behavior from them, if they persist, tell them that you want all communication from that point on to be in writing.
One of the first things that you should do is to make them validate the debt, they must prove that you owe them the debt, if the debt is already charged off on your credit report, then what is the benefit of dealing with these guys anyway? Is there a settlement negotiation available with terms that state that they will update your credit report once the matter is settled, get it all in writing. Requesting debt validation will also ward of the phones calls for at least 30 days.


lrhall41

Submitted by jos82003 on Sat, 01/19/2008 - 08:52

( Posts: 170 | Credits: )


I am unsure if it is charged off on my credit report, however, the SOL is 4 years in Texas. I don't believe this old debt is affecting my credit any longer, as, to be honest, I actually recieved 3 new credit cards last year, all of which were used in regards to Christmas expenses and will be payed off in order to repeat the process next holiday season. Not the best strategy to rebuild crdit, I know, but when only used a specific time of the year, it works for me and keeps my spending habits in check and theft issues at bay.


lrhall41

Submitted by on Sat, 01/19/2008 - 09:19

( Posts: | Credits: )


If you use over 30% of your available credit on a credit card it hurts your credit score.

Also, a debt doesn't go away because the SoL expired or it's fallen off of your CBR. They can continue to pull your credit report (within reason) with an inqury that will stay on there for 2 years and it will affect your credit score as well. They can also continue to collect on it as well.


lrhall41

Submitted by FYI on Sat, 01/19/2008 - 15:09

( Posts: 1950 | Credits: )


Wow, good for texas for protecting its consumers like that. I wish all states would make them step up to the plate like that, it would stop the endless abuse on the consumers.

Some of these collection agencies can be just down right rude, they break all the laws and you would think that you borrowed money off of them personally. I guess you could say they are passionate about their work. LOL, in a bad way.


lrhall41

Submitted by jos82003 on Sun, 01/20/2008 - 07:46

( Posts: 170 | Credits: )