For all those who have ever received something via the US Postal system, which had you thinking, are you kidding me, this has got to be a joke... Well, read on!
In today's mail I received a letter of collection from CBCS Collections, in Columbus, Ohio, with a Settlement Offer, of a 70% savings if I acted within the next 30 days, otherwise, I could expect Collections to pursue me until the account was paid. First, and foremost, I have never even heard of this firm, let alone was I going to pay for something without validation. Well, again, I say, are you kidding me? This particular account, with a ZERO balance I might add... Are you ready for this... Was closed over 23 YEARS ago! Needless to say, I read the notice, a few times just to make sure, and at that point, I thought..."Identity Theft", which I had already been a victim of prior. Then of course the whole situation by that time was too far fetched for me to even believe!
I then called the (800) number listed on the form, and to my surprise, a recording saying "thank you for calling, your call is important to us, please hold"... No introduction, no company name, no validation. A representative, and I use that term loosely, came on the line and started asking me questions about my personal information, which of course I was not willing to divulge, such as home #, correct address, work #, and then the ever famous SS#.
I politely asked the person for his name, he refused, stated it was not important, and that he was representing an agency for past due payment on an account. I asked him to provide me with an itemized statement of the account, he declined. I asked him how an agency could possibly function outside the Statue of Limitations for a collection which again I stated to him, was PAID IN FULL... 23 years ago. He said it was my dilema to prove the bill was paid, and not theirs. Now, I ask you, who keeps records from 23 years ago!
After a few harsh words on his part, I called the BBB, on the National level, the State level, and then of course to my Attorney... To advise them of the wrongdoings of this so called firm. A copy of the letter I received, went to each of them. I totally believe after reading other postings, that this firm is a TOTAL SCAM!
In closing, let me say that I am appalled at just how cruel and viscious some businesses can be in their attempts to harrass and try to intimidate people into just paying them so they go away... DO NOT allow a company to strong arm you with their threats to ruin your credit report... There are people out there who will stand up for you! They chose the wrong girl this time!
D
Tampa
U.S.A.
0 comments