I recently received a notice of debt collection from NCO for $156.44. The description of the original creditor was extremely vague. It stated only the name of the county I live in combined with three random letters. I was fairly sure that I had no outstanding bills and decided to investigate. When I went to the web site they provided in the notice, www.ncofinancial.com. I was blown away to find info on lawsuits and several government angencies.
Funny thing was I couldn't find them or a place to access my account information. During this process I was also attempting to reach them by phone. I sat on hold three times only to be "dropped." I continued my online investigation of NCO and was instructed as to what not to do in my dealings with them.
The guidelines were to give them absolutely no info about yourself, keep detailed records of all interactions, and not to give them anything with your signature! I was finally able to reach a phone rep (by using a number other than the one they gave from the BBB) and I enjoyed being part of her fishing expedition. She wasn't sure of who the debt belonged to. She then asked me to veify the digits of my SS#, and if maybe it was a hospital bill or something! She was fairly hostile at my refusal to verify my #. She told me to send a written request for the billing info and they would provide it.
I like to cover all my bases so I decided to check my credit report for any errors on my part. What do you know a collection report for $156 was right in front of me. Only problem is that we paid it off over a year and a half ago! Upon closer inspection an iquiry had been made in APR by a company that did'nt look right, and had no reason of inquiry listed, FIN COLL AGENCY.
When I checked them out I discovered that they are suspected of being a dummy corporation used to obtain credit information. How in hell are these people not only still in business, but granted access to our credit reports?!
My husband and I have been trying to buy our first home. These seemingly criminal acts have made that next to impossible. No lender cares about some debt fraud sob story.
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