I sent validation request to AFNI. I also disputed with all 3 CRA's. All came back verified with consumer disputes. Today I get this letter from AFNI: We have received your dispute but we are unable to confirm at this time. You have provided insufficient information to substantiate your claim. We will complete our investigation within 30 days of receipt of the following information: 1. The specific information you dispute. 2. An explanation of the basis of your dispute. 3. All supporting documentation to substantiate your claim. Examples may include photocopy of your driver's license, the identification page of your passport, proof of residency. 4. A valid phone number to contact you. Please contact our office to resolve this matter. Sincerely, AFNI. What should I do now, should I send this information, and what are they going to do with it? Thanks for your input.
If you have requested validation of the account in accordance with the FDCPA and it had your name, mailing address and their account number, then you've done your part and the ball is in their court. Before they can resume collection activities, they have the obligation to request validation information from the OC (which they probably don't have any more) and send it back to you. Some people say that you should send another copy of the first letter, I'm now of the opinion that's a waste of postage. If they were going to validate the debt, they would have. Sending them more paper for their shredder is not likely to change their operation. IMO, you can throw that letter in the trash. Remember it is THEY who have the claim that needs substantiation. If they still have an account listed as being in collections on your credit report, then they are in violation of the FDCPA and you can take 'em to court. From other people who have dealt with them that's, unfortunately, what you're likely to have to do. Search this board for a really long story about them. I know there's at least one.
I meant that in the figurative sense. Hedwig is correct in that you'll need to keep everything they send you to use when you take them to court.
