I received a letter from CAMCO notifying me of an outstanding debt.informing me of a phone number to call for further information. I placed the return call and left a voice-mail message. The agent called me back the next day and that is when I realized that this was some type of scam.
They are trying to collect on a debt that they say was opened in 2/84 with the last activity in 4/84. I have no recollection of ever having an account with the company they are alledging I owe money to. The agent refused to comply with my request to FAX documentation to me so that I could review what they had while we were speaking. I was told that I did not have the right to dispute the validity of the debt and that they had already began the necessary paperwork to sue me in the County courts. The actual amount that they claim was owed on the account was $1900, but their demand is for $4500 but they were willing to settle then and there for $3500.
The agent was insistent that I give them a valid Visa number then and there to settle this "bad" debt. When I questioned why there was no negative rating on my credit report I was told it was their option whether or not to place a statement on my credit report.
I have replied to them in writing disputing the debt and as their letter states they will provide me with the necessary proof of the debt... We'll see.
I don't believe I will hear from them again, but if I do I am going to seek legal counsel as to what my options are. I am also preparing a formal complaint to file with the State Department of Consumer Affairs. I do not know what else I can do but I am pretty sure they have no legal ground to stand on trying to collect a debt that is not mine and is over 20 years old.
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