I received a phone this morning (10/22/09), on my unlisted cell phone from someone who stated her name was Tabitha. She claimed she was calling in regards to my Capital One account, which has been closed since 1996. She stated that I owed her almost $800.00. I told her that the issue in question was resolved over 13 years ago and that the statue of limitations for any such claim was 10 years. She told me I did not know the law, however, that is what I do for a living.
In 1996, I bought a piece of exercise equipment to strengthen my abs, but the spring attached to the equipment kept pinching me, so I sent it back. I had paid for shipping and I never did receive a complete credit on my credit card. I cancelled that credit card the beginning of 1997, as the fees were too high.in the later part of 1997, I received a letter from Capital One stating that they had re-opened my account and that I owned a little over $50.00 for some exercise equipment I had purchased in 1996. I told them that I sent the equipment back and they stated that they needed proof from the company. I attempted to contact the company, but they went out-of-business sometime in 1996. I sent the proof that the company was out-of-business, but Capital One was less than willing to work we me. Until I had one of the attorneys at the firm where I work send them a letter. The case was put on-hold. Sometime in 1998, I received a letter from Capital One stating that I owed over $250.00 for late fees, interest, and an annual fees for the credit card, which was not even active. We went back and forth.in fact, if I knew then what I know now, I would have just paid the $50.00 for the exercise equipment I did not even have. However because I knew I was right, I chose to fight them. This was on my credit report listed as a disputed issue for years. I have such good credit and pay my bills in full every month, it didnt affect me too much.
As I stated above, the person who called me only gave me her first name and claimed to be with Capital One, but I am in the business (not collections), I know that companies sell their debt to losers like Portfolio Recovery Associates, who in turn try to scare and intimidate people into paying or at least settling with them. She tried to fight with me! In fact, we were yelling at each other on the phone. I told her that the statute of limitations was 10 years. She told me that I do not understand the law, and the it doesnt really mean 10 years. I also informed her that it is illegal to harass someone by means of obtaining a cell phone number that is not published. I told her to lose the number and she continued to threaten me. I ended up hanging up on her. I did call the phone number to obtain the business information, once I had the name of Portfolio Recovery Associates, I have proceed to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission!
This company needs to be STOPPED! They are trying to take advantage of people by lying and threatening unsuspecting individuals. Some people, I am certain are falling victim to their deceitful business practices, but I am not one of them. I am taking this as far as I can, I am on a mission to stop these horrible scumbags.
They quoted Federal Law, I urge any consumer abused by this company to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, and your local Fraud Prevention Agency. Just because Portfolio Recovery Associates is based in Virginia, that does not mean you have to file a complaint in their home state. The harassment is taking place in the county and state where you live, speak up and stop them!!
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