Like many others, I received a collections notice from Nationwide Collections in the amount of 26.16. The letter stated I the original account was with Columbia House. Odd, seeing I've never had an account with them and upon checking with Columbia House, the account number wasn't valid.
I sent a dispute letter to them and probably won't hear from them again. This company has been sued repeatedly and needs to be put on notice that they cannot continue doing this. Below is a sample letter should anyone need to write one:
Dear Nationwide Collections,
I am writing in response to your letter dated (insert date), (copy enclosed) because I do not owe the debt you say I do: Columbia House, account 908xxxxxxxx, record number C1/188xxxx. A quick search in the Internet indicates you should be very familiar with disputes of this exact nature.
This is the first I've heard from you or any other company on this matter; therefore, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Section 809 (b): Validating Debts:
(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.
I respectfully request that you provide me with the following information:
(1) the date I allegedly entered into a contract with Columbia House
(2) a full itemization of the charges and account history
(3) state in which the agreement was entered into
. 4) Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in (enter your state)
I assume you already have this information on file if you are prepared for litigation imminently.
Be advised that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including:
Because I have disputed this debt in writing within 30 days of receipt of your dunning notice, you must obtain verification of the debt or a copy of the judgment against me and mail these items to me at your expense;
you cannot add interest or fees except those allowed by the original contract or state law.
You do not have to respond to this dispute but if you do, any attempt to collect this debt without validating it, violates the FDCPA;
Also be advised that I am keeping very accurate records of all correspondence from you and your company including recording all phone calls and I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to my State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau.
I have disputed this debt; therefore, until validated you know your information concerning this debt is inaccurate. Thus, if you have already reported this debt to any credit-reporting agency (CRA) or Credit Bureau (CB) then, you must immediately inform them of my dispute with this debt. Reporting information that you know to be inaccurate or failing to report information correctly violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act 1681s-2. Should you pursue a judgment without validating this debt, I will inform the judge and request the case be dismissed based on your failure to comply with the FDCPA. I further reserve my right to file suit under the FDCPA should my credit be affected in any way as a result of this erroneous and potentially fraudulent record.
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