I sent a certified letter to First American Investment Company (they received the letter and signed for it on Feb 29) disputing the debt and requesting validation. This company has NEVER sent me anything in writing including and up to the 'first' notice a person usually receives notifying them that a collection agency is trying to collect a debt.
The only communication I have had regarding this alleged debt is an attorney by the name of Terrence D. McKelvey calling me telling me that he is 'representing' his client (First American Investment Company) and I 'owe' a debt and I need to 'pay up' or else. His words, not mine.in that letter, I requested that they do not contact me on the phone at home, cell phone or at work. They've ignored that request by calling me repeatedly at my home, cell phone and calling my employer fishing for information. My human resources manager at work called me to ask why this person is calling that will not give a name or name of their company and what their business is with me. A clear violation of the FDCPA.
Well, as I stated above, the letter was received by First American on Feb 29th and I have yet to hear a word from them, verbally or anything in writing. The 30 days has lapsed for them to respond to my request for debt validation so there is only two other options for them. Delete the trade line from my credit reports or 'sell' the alleged debt to another bottom feeder (read: collection agency).
I simply followed the law by requesting validation of this alleged debt and expected I would receive some type of correspondence from these folks within the 30 day dispute process but I suspect that they will not be able to come up with the documentation.
During each conversation with Mr. Mckelvey, I was respectful, polite and very professional and he was actually quite pleasant and seemed to understand my request. However, his actions are quite a different thing. Calling my employer and calling me on my cell phone is clearly a violation especially since I put it in writing that I do not want to be contacted during this dispute process.
The other part to this whole ordeal is that I informed Mr. McKelvey and First American Investment Company that I have retained legal counsel in this matter (among others) and by contacting me after knowing this is a clear violation of the FDCPA.
Bottom line? Don't trust these people and if they try to coerce you into paying anything on an account that they have not done the due diligence by validating an alleged debt, do what I've done and report them to the Federal Trade Commission and the New York State Attorney General's office.
0 comments