My problem started a couple of years ago...
Back in those days, they actually used people to make the calls. One day, I answered the phone thinking I had another telemarketer), only to find that I had been tagged for non-payment of a utility bill. According to what the lady told me, this collection was from August 1997 for $25.27 from the power company at an address where I no longer owned the property.
When I asked for additional information be sent to me, I was told "that's what 'you people' do." When I asked what 'you people' meant. I was called a "dirt bag." Needless to say, things went down hill from there... I informed the lady that I had sold the property and didn't own it at the time this debt was supposedly incurred. She said, "and I suppose you can prove it." I replied that I could; however, it was not only a matter of public record, but I could, but would not send them anything until I received something in writing with the dates of the service that was not paid. With all the identify theft and all, I was not going to just send that kind of information because she demanded it.
I never heard anything for at least a year, when I got another call from a nice young man. I told him the same thing, and that I was still waiting for something. I never heard back.
Over the past few months, they've kicked in again. However, now, they don't use people. They have an automated telephone capability that calls three to five times every day, Monday through Sunday. You get a reference number, and an 800-number to call. BUT, you only get this if you actually pick up the phone or it's the first message you get for the day. Otherwise, they're empty messages. The only way I know it's them is the caller ID. You can't return the calls except for "normal business hours" even though the calls come in outside "normal business hours."
I finally got a demanding letter on 15 September regarding a "serious default." I responded on 22 September requesting the information on when that "serious debt" had been incurred. I also stated that the letter served as notice of dispute, and that I would not respond verbally.
The phone continues to ring.
On 27 October I received another letter stating that "you have obviously chosen to ignore our previous communication demanding that you resolve your outstanding indebtedness..."
Needless to say, my responding letter is sent return receipt requested.
I'm not rich, and have my fair share of debts, but in the big scheme of things, $25.27 would have been paid if I had ever received a bill from the power company. I would have questioned a few hundred dollars, but I would have paid $25.27. I never received anything from the utility company.
When I applied for my home loan in 1997, this "serious debt" wasn't there. I'm still not convinced this is my debt, but they won't give me the information to prove that it is (or isn't). According to our local consumer advisor, paying this would be more detrimental to my credit report than non-payment. He says that if you pay it now, it makes it look like you took all that time to pay it. This is somewhere around 8 years now.
Once I saw all the other notifications and complaints on your website, I'm even more convinced now that this is a scam, and that these law offices aren't exactly reputable.
If everyone they harass sends them what they claim, they would be rolling in the dough.
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