I received a letter in the mail from ARA in Villa Park, IL stating that I had a past due account with Household Finance for the amount of 8092.88 and that if I paid it in full in the next week, they would offer me a deal and accept a settlement of 5665.02 to resolve the debt. I had a credit card with Household Finance about 14 years ago in good standing. About three years after that, financial difficulties prevented me from making payments on the debt and the account became delinquent and eventually went into collections. Almost 9 years ago I received a life insurance settlement that allowed me to contact the collection agency and settle the debt.
When I contacted the company to dispute the allegations, I was informed that Samuel Wiser was currently in court; it was 5:20 EST. I was transferred to another associate who told me that I couldn't dispute the debt, that they were legal representation, not collection agents. I was told my the male associate that he knows I didn't pay the debt, he had the last four digits of my social security number and he told me that I needed to pay the debt or else. He became hostile and rude. When I told him that I didn't like the tone of his voice or his lack of professionalism, he told me that if i didn't pay the debt I was going to be sued.
His attitude towards me upset me and I fired back at him before hanging up. A few minutes later he called me back at the number I had called him from (obviously Caller ID) and asked if I had settled down and was ready to discuss payment. I informed him that I was going to investigate my legal options and not to call me again.
I have written a letter to the company to be mailed to the PO box provided addressing my dispute of the debt and providing written verification that I would be looking into legal action. The letter will be sent certified, return receipt mail.
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