I, too, received a collection notice from this company for a Verizon bill from the year 2000. Neither I, nor any of my family, have ever lived in or around Bloomington. I have lived in the same home for 28 years.
I called the States Attorney in our county and was told that these collection agencies buy information about people from the internet and this is probably how they got my name and address.
When I finally got through on their phone number, I was told that if this was not my bill, I needed to send a copy of my drivers license, social security card, and proof of residence for the year 2000. I explained that this could not possibly be my bill and why. They stated my birthdate, and the last 4 digits of my social security number and asked if those were mine. When I affirmed they were, the girl stated "then this is you".
At this point I asked to speak to a supervisor. She checked and they do not have a copy of the bill (probably is non-existant). According to her, this bill had been with 2 other collection agencies before them and the paper bill had been misplaced. When I asked why neither of those two collection agencies had contacted me, she had no answer. I had the answer. Because it is not my bill!
I explained to her that at the time in question I was City Clerk for the city that I live in and could not possibly have lived in Bloomington. This made no difference. Again I was told to send a copy of my drivers license, social security card, and proof of residence. Not going to happen!
I send a certified letter to them stating this was not my bill and I have no intention of sending them a copy of any of my personal information. I also reported them to the Better Business Bureau of Illinois. And I did not "sign" the letter with my signature. I am now waiting to see what happens. So far I have not heard from them.
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