I have had the same experience as other people. BOSS sent me a bill dated 11-16-05 that stated 50% off, final attempt to settle acct. And they wanted my credit card number for bill of $5.95 1.90 interest for total of $7.85.
I called numerous times and could not speak to anyone. Finally on 11-29-05 I spoke to a rude woman who was no help but I did not ask for her name. I then called back and the first thing I asked the operator for was her name and she was helpful. She told me the bill was from before 5-2-01 when Econophone, Voicenet USA, Destia went out of business. She told me that she did not know which company was owed the money. She said BOSS sent a bill on 4-19-05 and 6-2-05 but I never received any bills from any of these companies. I asked for a copy of the bill and documentation that I owed the money but she said it was too much trouble to do that for $5. I told her I was not going to pay a bill and give my credit card information to a company that I never heard of and for money I did not owe unless I got an invoice. Finally she said she would send me a written bill.
On 11-29-05 I mailed a letter to BOSS, registered mail, return receipt requested (so I would have proof that they received the letter). I wrote that I never received any bills from Mapnad, Econophone, Voicenet USA, Destia or BOSS before this bill dated 11-16-05. I was formally disputing these charges and requiring them to verify, explain and itemize this bill. I also requested written proof that I had switched phone companies. I wrote that I do not owe any of these companies any money. I also stated that the bill failed to comply with the FDCA regulations:
Failing to send required consumer notice: The FDCPA requires that debt collectors send consumers a written notice that includes, among other things, the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed, and a statement that, if within thirty days of receiving the notice the consumer disputes the debt in writting, the collector will obtain verification of the debt and mail it to the consumer.
With information I got from another poster, I filed complaints with the following:
FTC: complaint form on the internet: ftc. Gov (phone 877-382-4387)
American Collector's Association of Texas: complaint form on the internet: www.texascollectors.com (also sent a copy of the letter I mailed to BOSS)
Texas Attorney General office at www.oag. State. Tx.Us (phone 800-621-0508) (also sent a copy of the letter I mailed to BOSS)
Better Business Bureau at www.permianbasinbbb.org
US Postal Service Inspector General: complaint form on the internet at www.uspsoig. Gov
Also see the Fair Debt Collection Act (FDCA): www.ftc. Gov/os/statutes/fdpa/fdcpact.htm
see section 809 "validation of debts" for the protocol a collection agency is supposed to follow regarding debt collection notices and your rights as the recipient of these notices.
I called BOSS on 1-10-06 because I had not gotten written proof for this bill and I was told that the "account was cancelled on 1-5-06." I asked for documentation and as of today 1-21-06 I still have not received it.
I hope this information helps someone else who is victimized by this company.
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