MCM - Trying to collect while requesting debt validation?
Date: Thu, 09/01/2011 - 17:00
My parents had a debt back in '04 that was being collected on by COMPUCREDIT, that was settled for a couple thousand dollars. A family member paid the debt, and we all considered it done. My parents never received a receipt or transcript of the payment, so we don't have proof but both parties clearly remember the event.
MCM recently started contacting both my parents and I trying to collect what was left over from the settlement. Merely 600$, but we don't have the money, and we don't owe the debt.
I found a very lengthy and thorough debt validation letter for my parents, and they sent it to MCM on the 12th of August, 2011. We get another attempt at collection in the mail today, dated 25th of August, 2011.
Since the 30 days for debt validation aren't up yet, I'm not sure what to do. I don't know if they sent it to the wrong address for MCM, since there are many. I don't know if MCM is just ignoring the request for validation or what. Should we send yet another letter requesting validation to another address? Or them all?
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
-june
What state do your parents live in? This debt might be beyond t
What state do your parents live in? This debt might be beyond the statute of limitations for one thing. If so, you can skip the validation and send a cease and desist letter to MCM.
Secondly, you have to send those types of letters certified with a return receipt requested so you have proof they received it. Otherwise, it's your word against theirs and that doesn't really do much for you.
So, what state are you in? If it's beyond SOL, just send them a C&D (certified).
Yes, very true. In all probability, this debt is out of the Stat
Yes, very true. In all probability, this debt is out of the Statute of Limitations or the SOL. The SOL is the time limit within which the creditor or collection agency can sue you for non-payment of debt. This varies from state to state and in most of the states the SOL expires within 3-6 years. So, you need to know about the SOL in your state and if the SOL has expired, you can simply dispute this debt off the credit reports of your parents (if it is at all there).
In addition to this, if possible talk to the person who had paid the money and get the payment receipt; if he/she has it. Furthermore, send the collection agency a cease and desist letter through certified mail requesting a return receipt.
We live in South Dakota, and I'm pretty sure the SoL is 6 years.
We live in South Dakota, and I'm pretty sure the SoL is 6 years.
I'll tell them what you guys said. ^^ Thanks so much for the quick responses. I'll let you know how it goes.
Send them a "get lost" letter...the debt is time barred. Demand
Send them a "get lost" letter...the debt is time barred. Demand they cease and desist all communicaiton with anyone related to the debt.
Yep, just send a letter telling them to cease and desist all con
Yep, just send a letter telling them to cease and desist all contact and collections efforts. Send it certified. You don't need to tell them anything else. They don't need to know "why" or any other details. Just C&D.