Out of the blue, this company began calling my husband, at odd and inappropriate hours, claiming that he owes a $1,000. Debt and demanding immediate payment. I have also spoken to them. They threaten legal and criminal action and state that he is in "serious trouble." My husband does not owe this debt. He has no idea what the whole thing might be about.
They consistently refuse to identify the original creditor, both illegal and a red flag. They refuse to send something in writing, to verify the debt, also illegal. One caller claimed that the company had sent hundreds of letters already. This is patently false.
We have entertained that this could be a mistake or identity theft thing, but it is impossible to know because they do not provide enough information, simply demanding immediate payment by debit card number, and that HE verify HIS information! Over the phone, to a stranger whose credibility is in question given the aggressive tactics and obviously false statements.
They claim that this "debt" appears on his credit report and is therefore valid. It does not, and more troubling, how did they gain authorization to obtain his credit report, exactly?
For anyone who has old debts and hears from this company. There are statutes of limitations on debts, and if you pay anything, even one dollar, the clock is re-set. This varies by state.in New York, the statute of limitations is six years. If six years have passed and you live in New York, you cannot be legally forced to pay the debt. Therefore, when they call, do not give them any money, especially if you suspect that the statute has run out, and especially if you are not sure that you owe the debt.
They may take people to court for debts whose statutes of limitation have run out. You need only tell the judge this and the case will be dismissed. If you fail to show up, the debt will be automatically validated and you will forfeit your rights and protections.
Other harassment complaints about Vision Financial state that they attempted to collect debts over a decade old, tricking consumers into paying a bit to stop the harassing phone calls, which meant that the statute of limitations was re-set; that they attempted to collect debts that had long since been paid or settled; and that they have attempted to collects debts that are simply not valid. Be warned.
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