Back in the late 90's I got a wierd bill in the mail, a credit card statement from Citibank. It was my name but the wrong middle initial. I sent the statment back saying I don't have an account with you and stop sending me this. Granted, I knew nothing of credit and tossed all these "bills" away.
The trade line came up on my credit report and I disputed it a bunch of times without it being deleted. I learned about my rights and requested proof of the debt over 100 times with no response.
In late 2004 when I got hit with a wage garnishment. I immediately complained the employer for the 35% deduction and they provided court signed documentation saying it was ordered by a judge.
In the meantime, I spoke to our company attorney who told me how to file a rebuttal stating I was never properly served and therefore the garnishment should be removed while the disputed issues are resolved. The lawyer advised me to bring copies of everything I had and had done to resolve the issue. (Thankfully he took some time from his job to educate me on how to keep a phone log, and records the courts want to see and I am anal with these records now.)
I went to the courthouse and filed a rebuttal. I was granted a court date within days. The judge railroaded me and refused to look at my documents because she claimed to have my signature and it was served at another address of an ex-boyfriend. She refused to even look at my documentation claiming the ruling was final and I had no rights to overturn that decision.
When I sold my property Citibank stole the balance of what they claimed I owed.
All the while Citibank fraud acknowledged potential fraudulent activity and found in my favor 6 months after they stole the money and sent a letter apologizing for damaging my credit, confirming removal of the trade line listings and judgement. I asked about refund of the money they stole.
They promised to refund the entire judgement $6,800 plus interest but requested I put something in writing for their record to initate a check.
I sent 15 letters memorializing this conversation and to date each and every letter has been disregarded and unfortunately, it just isn't worth a $5,000 legal fee to hire a lawyer to sue. And not one lawyer will take payment out of the proceeds of the case. That tells me a lot about their confidence in their ability to win.
It's shame that not one governing agency will step up to the plate and ensure consumer rights. All they seem to do is send pamphlets and blow a lot of hot air.
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