I recieved a letter from Professional Credit Services Inc today, stating I owe a balance of $132.50 on an account from a well known phone company (who will remain unknown). My husband and I hold very good credit ratings, have recently purchased a home and were unaware of such a debt. I contacted the phone number listed on the form and reached a representative who was somewhat scattered when it came to giving me the background information for this account. I stated my rights as a consumer, that collection agencies must make a valid attempt to collect on any debt before they apply it to your credit report. I had never seen or heard of this debt and was not liable for any charges they feel are my responsibility. The representative then stated that attempts had been made, apologized if I had not recieved them in the mail; then went on to state the the only reason they have our new address was because the previous address on file rejected and was returned with the forwarding information. I asked him to verify the previous address, sure enough - it was our valid address, however I NEVER recieved any mail from this company. I mentioned to him that he just confirmed that they had accurate information and that attempts should have and could have been made, but were not. I asked that I speak to his supervisor, and I did. The supervisor was short and quick to take back control of the situation, however when I stated that the debt is 8 years old and collection attempts had not been made, he suddenly stumbled over his words and seemed shaken by our conversation. This troubled me, coming from a banking career and now work with accounts payable/recievable. I asked for information pertaining to LVNV Funding LLC, that I would like to speak with them directly. He again, shaken, said "Uh, I don't have any forwarding information for this company". I said, "No forwarding information? How would they be paid for this debt then?" Again, he did not have an answer for me. Red flags were shooting up everywhere in this conversation. I had finally had enough and said "You will not be recieving payment from me for this debt. You can contact your Manager and have it written off due to failed collection attempts". He seemed releived by what I just said, and came back with "Thank you, I will note that on your file, Have a great day". And ended our call. I was concerned and discusted at the same time. I contacted my local bank and had a copy of my Credit Report faxed to me, there is no such debt on my Credit Report.
I wonder how many people out there are recieving these notices and paying them assuming the debt is valid. With all of the commercials on TV stating "keep your credit in check..." They are scared to death to question such accusations. I feel responsible to log on and report this company with you so that others will have the confidence in their person to trust themselves first! I will certainly keep checking my mail and my credit report in case this haunts me in the future, but am proud of myself for trusting my own instincts and doing my research before I pay out money to anyone!
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