This company first tried to sue me in civil court in 2002 for a credit card debt they claimed was mine, in the amount of almost $9,000. I requested, but they refused to respond to my written request for validation. Neither did the lawyer they hired to represent them. I went to court, they did not. Strange behavior for a company that trying to collect a debt of such a large amount. The case was dismissed.
In 2005 I was contacted by PRA again. This time they offered a settlement for half the original amount. A second request for validation was ignored by them. I had no further contact with this company until May when I received a notice from IRS stating that PRA filed a statement claiming they "forgave my debt" in 2007 which caused IRS to question if I under-reported my taxes, and unless I could show otherwise, I would be required to pay an additional amount over $2,000.
Of course, I responded and included ALL of my documentation dealing with these people, including the civil court dismissal, copies of letters requesting validation, also copies of my online complaints to the FTC and the Attorney General's Office in my state. I questioned the legality of IRS compelling me to pay additional taxes on a debt this company refused to validate as mine. I also told IRS in my response, that even if the debt had been mine, PRA's claim exceeded the statue of limitations for collection, and that by intentionally filing an unvalidated debt and expired debt claim, PRA was perpetuating a fraud against the IRA, and I compelled them to pursue them criminally.
The end result: IRS closed the case and today I received written confirmation that the case was closed. I was waiting for this document. I have identified a legal firm and we plan to sue PRA for Fair Credit laws. It will not cost me anything to file, as they are taking the case on contingency. With my documentation and letter from the IRS I'm confident I will win. Whether they are actually able to collect is another question. At the end of the day, I don't really want their money. I want them put out of business.
My parting advice (not legal advice, just my own experience), to anyone dealing with this company is don't get mad, get justice. Make written requests for verification, get on the "do not call" list and record all calls they make after you have requested in writing that they cease contacting you except in the interest of validating their claim. You can sue them without spending out-of-pocket! If they try to "forgive" your debt to IRS it is important to have copies of all of your documentation included with your response objecting to attempts to reassess your taxes. Check your credit reports from all 3 major agencies. PRA never put a negative comment on my credit report, but this company has no scruples and can't be trusted. If they do put anything negative on there, dispute it. It may be a little more work than you want to do, but your credit history and peace of mind are worth it. Most important, don't get frustrated and don't give up!
0 comments