Around the second week of July, I received a collection letter from Asset Acceptance LLC stating "Your account with the above mentioned creditor has been purchased and is now owned by Asset Acceptance LLC". The creditor listed is CASTLE CREDIT with a past due balance of $1287.59.
I have successfully dealt with scavenger debt collectors before, with help from this site. I have never heard of CASTLE CREDIT and don't recall dealing with them. Also the letter was addressed to me and my ex-wife, who I have been divorced from since 1995 and have had no contact since.
I know I shouldn't have, but I called Asset Acceptance to see what they had. I was told it was a book company that sold me encyclopedias. I disputed everything and told the guy they would be receiving a validation request from me.
I immediately typed out a debt validation request and sent it certified. I didn't expect to get anything back. 2 weeks later I received the following: "Thank you for your request for further validation of your CASTLE CREDIT account. Enclosed please find an account statement prepared with the use of information provided to us by the prior creditor." The form was on Asset Acceptance letterhead and was titled ACCOUNT STATEMENT. It contained statement date (July 25), Asset Acceptance LLC account number, prior account number, prior/original creditor (CASTLE CREDIT), My name, address, phone number. The last 4 of my SSN. Principal amount ($1283.16), Interest/fees ($13.29), Balance ($1296.45) and finally, LAST TRANSACTION DATE 05/18/88!!
If you will notice the balance is different from what was on the original collection letter. They are trying to charge me interest which is in violation of the FDCPA. The debt is at least 18 years old (the SOL in Texas is 4 years). All of the information on this "validation" is the same information that was on the original debt collection letter except the balance and the last transaction date. They did not provide the address of CASTLE CREDIT. They did not provide documentation signed by me obligating me to pay CASTLE CREDIT.in other words I'm assuming this is in no way a legal validation of the debt in accordance with the FDCPA.
I guess I could end this by sending an SOL Expiration letter telling them I would use that as my defense in case they sue me, followed by a cease and desist letter, but I'm tempted to send another request for validation to cover myself in case they do file suit against me. They have an office in San Antonio, so I would assume they are licensed and bonded in Texas.
I get the idea from reading this site that this company goes all out in trying to collect these invalid and uncollectable debts. Should I attempt to end this now or try to get further information from them? Any advise would be appreciated.
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