CAMCO is a group of hateful, nasty people.
On 10/11/03, I was contacted by a Limona Stewart (ext. 1551), after she called my mother, who in turn gave Limona my number (mistake #1).
Limona then told me that I had an outstanding debt of $9,856.93, from a card that I never owned. She had an angry tone and was already treating me like a criminal. I then told her it was not my debt, and that I have a history of "Identity Theft, " and that I've been dealing with this for the past year.
She said the the account had several payments on it, the last in 1992. I told her that has been the same track recored with the other cards also. I explained these crooks would open accounts, pay a few times open others cards, pay on them build up the credit and get bigger and bigger limits.
(These people were taking money out of my bank account to make these payments. I only figured this out after checks were bouncing! It's been years of hell, to say the least.) BUT ANYWAY.
Limona did not like what what I had to say about this matter, so she transfered me to the he lovely Steve Johnson. This nut couldn't talk his way out of a paper bag... Let me take that back. Paper bags are kind-a tough to get out of... Let's make it a wet paper bag. I had to tell my tale again to Steve, and told me that he could make me a deal. I said, " yeah what kind of deal."
He said, "my shift is ending in 45 min. And I would like to help you out by settling this account for $1000.00 " (Buy this time he had a mouth full of food) " that is if we can finish this up by the time I get done with my shift.
"Oh yeah. That sound like a real good deal, but uuum It's not my card! Prove to me it's my card I've never carried a debt like that in my life. If I don't have the cash I don't buy it "
Well, we went round and round. A little bit more.
It's 7am on Saturday, and I'm still in bed. I said, " hold on let me get get my files." I have police reports, case numbers files on and on.
By this time most lawfully begotten agencies change there tone, and become human, They inform you on what you need to know and what to do. Not the good folks from CAMCO. They want an electronic check, that I can post date for 30 days until I can come up with the money. (Arn't they thoughtful)
I told little Stevey that it's not about the money I have plenty of money. The point is that it's NOT MY DEBT! You need to give me prof. Steve told me that once I post the check and it clears, they will send me a statement saying that my account has been settled in full. Then I have to go after the creditor to prove that it's not my debt. And once I prove that it's not my debt, they they will refund my money. (This is a critical point. If CAMCO was collecting for the creditor, they would be giving me all the lowdown on the account. They would also offer some kind of payment plan, they would not settle for 10% of the debt)
Up until this time i have never been asked to verify my SS# address, no vital information. I know by now this is a scam and I'm a little pissed. What kind of scam I did not know yet.
I now get a fax of some information on what they had but mostly it was a settlement form for the amount of $1000, it said nothing about clearing my credit and that I was excepting the debt.
About an hour has gone by and nothing but the offer of paying the $1000 no other options, nothing. Also by this time I've called some friends, and we have all come to the same conclusion that it was a scam.
I call Steve back and I asked for a supervisor.
Now comes Justin Jones. He has a better command of the english grammar. I am sure he did not get much past the 12th grade.
Again with the story and he tried to give me more information, but the more I explain what my situation was the madder he got. All they want was the money.
So I string him on, and we decided to get back in touch on Monday morning.
Now i got on line and did a little research on CAMCO.
First they have no recored of a business license or a filing of a fictitious name, and they have over 250 claims filed with the Illinois attorney general.
CAMCO buys up old credit reports some of them are up to 20 years old. Then strong arm people out of there money, mostly women and the elderly. Just look at the list of people on this site alone. Also note, they do not tend to contact many people in the State of Illinois, solely because they can be sued for damages much easer by people in there state then they can be by people out of state.
Monday: My guns are loaded and Justin sent me the Affidavit and Assignment. I read it over and called him back. On my Affidavit it did not show an OPEN DATE, or CLOSE DATE. He told me the dates and I replyed, That even if it were my debt he was SOL because the S.O.L. Was past by more then 6 years. I said There is nothing I can do for him and said good bye.
Justin was PISSED
.
Know the S.O.L. (Statute of Limitations) for your state. Most likely the S.O.L. Has run out on your account, and most likely that's why CAMCO has them.
I then Faxed and mailed the following letters and forms to CAMCO.
IF you are ever contacted by CAMCO or any other agency admit nothing! Just be nice and copy the letters and forms below. Keep a copy for your files and send a the letter "REGISTERED MAIL" return receipt requested. You can also Fax thee letters but keep your FAX receipt BUT!!! But!!! You must still send the letters by Registered Mail!!!
ALSO DO NOT CALL THEM
Date
Your Name and
Address
City State ZIP
BIG SCAM COLLECTIONS
There address
(Fax number if faxed)
RE: Account #: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
(any other information regarding your account)
To whom it may concern:
This letter is being sent to you in response to your attached letter. (if you have nthing in writing use the phrases " recent communication")
This is a notice that your claim is disputed.
Under the Fair Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), I have the right to request validation of the debt you say I owe you. I am requesting proof that I am indeed the party you are asking to pay this debt, and there is some contractual obligation, which is binding on me to pay this debt.
Your legal staff will agree that compliance with this request under the laws of (State name) and Federal Statutes.
In addition to the questionnaire below, please attach copies of:
1. Agreement with your client that grant you the authority to collect on this alleged debt, or proof of acquisition by purchase or assignment.
2. Agreement that bears that this letter is not only a formal dispute, but a request that you cease and desist any and all collection activities.
3. I require compliance with the terms and conditions of this letter within 30 days, or a complete withdrawal, in writing, of any claim.
In the event of noncompliance, I reserve the right to file charges and/or complaints with appropriate County, State & Federal authorities, the BBB and the State Bar associations for violations of the FDCPA, FCRA, and Federal and State statutes on fraudulent extortion.
I also reserve my right to take private civil action against you to recover damages.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME (PRINT OR TYPE DO NOT SIGN (these monkeys don't need a copy of your signature)
Debt Validation Form
Questionnaire to be returned:
Account #:
Original Creditor's Name:
Name of Debtor:
Address of Debtor:
Balance of Account:
Date you Acquired the Debt:
This Debt was: Assigned% Purchased% (Check all that apply)
Please indicate any credit bureaus to which you have reported on this account:
Experian
Equifax
Trans Union
This next item is a formal CEASE AND DESIST letter. I think this one is magic. It's just like Grandma's night shirt, in that it covers everything!
Send this as soon as you are sure this is not you debt. Even if it is your debt, the Statute of limitations will have mostly have run out (ABOUT 4 years in most states) KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
FAX AND SEND BY REGISTERED MAIL return receipt requested.
Date
Your Name and
Address
City State ZIP
BIG SCAM COLLECTIONS
There address
(Fax number if faxed)
RE: Account #: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
(any other information regarding your account)
To whom it may concern:
You are hereby notified under provision of public laws 95-109 and 99-361, also known as the Fair Debt Collection Practices act, that you are to CEASE AND DESIST from any further collections. I have a right to remain free from intimidating, manipulative and high-pressure tactics, and we will take the responsibility upon myself to protect that right. Note that a copy of this letter and a record of its delivery will be stored. Additionally, note that this letter is admissible as evidence in a court of law and will be used as such if need be in the future. This is your final notice.
Your organization may no longer contact me in any form concerning the above referenced account number. I will only settle this account with the original creditor.
Failure to comply with this law will result in my filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and my state's Attorney general's Office along with the (THE CO Sate of peration) Attorney Generals Office and the District Attorney's office in your county. I will be detailed and pursue all criminal and civil claims against you and your company. I will also document all contact and record all conversations to enforce these laws.
Please be advised that in any event even if this were a legitimate debt - this debt is barred from collection by the (your State) Statute of Limitations.
BEWARE: Any further efforts by your firm to collect this unsubstantiated debt, including the sale or transfer of this debt, will result in a complaint filled under the THE RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPTIONS (RICO) ACT, 18 U.S.C. 1961-68 (1994)
If your company places any negative credit information with any credit reporting bureau after the date of your receiving this cease and desist letter, I will file a law suit against you and your company for all legal remedies afforded me by law.
Sincerely,
Your name (print or type do not sign)
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