Help Disputing Improper Debt with Debt Collector

Discussion in 'Credit Talk' started by hoppy1214, Mar 19, 2015.

  1. hoppy1214

    hoppy1214 Member

    Greetings,

    Short story: I need help writing a debt validation letter to a debt collector for a Tmobile account that should have been cancelled.

    More Details:
    A few years ago, I moved out of the country. I called Tmobile to cancel my cellphone before moving. There seems to have been a miscommunication and the phone line was not canceled. I had already left the country so I didn't receive any bills, etc.

    I recently checked my credit report and found a collection from Midland Funding on behalf of Tmobile. I called Tmobile to figure out what the collection was. They had notes of my requested cancellation but the representative-- for some reason-- never canceled the account. After 2 hours and numerous transfers, I was given a physical address for Tmobile customer service. I sent a letter explaining the situation. Last week, I received a response telling me to contact Midland Funding... Sigh. I *have* tried calling Midland Funding. They told me if I send them proof that I've paid the account, they'll cancel the debt. Clearly, I don't have this and no matter how I tried explaining it, the collections agent didn't understand the situation.

    I believe my next step is to send Midland Funding a debt validation letter. But I'm concerned their response will be to just send me phone bills-- even though there was no usage of the phone line. I'm wondering if their is a specific type of validation letter I can use to best resolve this? Or any particular language to include in the letter?

    Thank you for any input!!
     
  2. mindcrime

    mindcrime Well-Known Member

    One thing I would suggest is to get evidence from T-mobile that you canceled the account on x date. (Going on the presumption you were not under any contract at this point, and therefore were free to cancel whenever).

    You could ask for it in writing, and you could record the phone call and ask again about it, making sure they state the date of the notes indicating you called in to cancel.

    This should be your first step before going through a DV process, or filing a complaint with the CFPB. You do not want that evidence disappearing.....
     
  3. jam237

    jam237 Well-Known Member

    Dear DSDA Collections;

    I dispute this account in its entirety.

    The alleged balance was allegedly accrued after account was cancelled by myself, which has been verified by the original creditor.

    You are misrepresenting the amount, character and legal status of this alleged debt in violation of Federal Law.

    Signed POed.
     
  4. mindcrime

    mindcrime Well-Known Member

    Sounds legit :)
     
  5. JoshuaHeckathorn

    JoshuaHeckathorn Administrator

    That's a great letter Jam! hahaha.

    Hoppy- I'm curious, whatever happened with the T-Mobile debt and Midland? Were you able to gather your evidence from T-Mobile and get Midland to back off?
     

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