Can somebody help me with this? I sent a local collection agency a validation letter to dispute various things that they are trying to collect. They signed for it on the 18th. On the 28th, they sent me a letter that says "it's tax refund time and a good time to pay off your Bad Debt collection accounts... blah, blah, blah." SO.... this is a violation, right? If so, what is my next step? Please somebody help me with this.
WTG!!! You got yourself a violation a HARD one!! Give them until February 17th, then send the estoppel. Save EVERYTHING you get from them envelopes, letters, any phone calls. BTW, was this within the 30 days from the original notice? I'm not sure if it matters, the FDCPA is far too confusing for me. Good luck!!
I'd send them a copy of your CRRR mail receipt and the letter you sent them. Include a copy of the tax refund letter they sent you. Tell them they violated the FDCPA by trying to collect before validating. Threaten to sue them.
girlie, I definitely am no expert at this but from my reading on this board for the last 5 months that is a violation because does'nt the receiving of a validation cease collection? Some of the experts will respond and correct me if I am wrong.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that's a violation. HA HA! Wait out the time, send the estoppel letter. I'd add in somthing about the violation in the estoppel letter and I'd demand 1k for the violations all in one letter. Why waste postage. Call your state's atty general's office and ask which office regulates debt collectors. some states have an office that can help you actually get your money. congrats. they're now over the barrel... and it's payback time!!!!!
WTG girlie - I'm sure you can use that 1k for something. I refuse to not get the payment from these people who violate because they give us no easy time. I'll be d@mned if I let them slide with a slap on the wrist....yea a 1k+ slap in the face.
Girlie - Can you say which CA it is? I'm curious because that "tax time" letter sounds awfully familiar! ;-)
Thanks for all the replies, everyone! KHM - Yes... it was within the original 30 days that they gave me to dispute. Yippee!!! Keep me posted on how you're doing! Marie - Ok... so now I just wait out my time and send the estoppel and demand the $1K in that same letter. They have until the 17th to get the validation stuff together (which I know they won't... they are very disorganized, I have heard). If, during the time between now and the 17th, they send me another collection letter, do I have another violation? I know they will send another, because these are computer generated letters and I think they send them out every 10 days. Donna - this is a local collection agency here in my town (I live in KY). They only handle stuff in our county. But I am sure that the tax refund tactic is common to use. I actually had a collector call me last year and tell me that I WOULD be sending my refund to her for an old medical bill for $41. I told her that I am self-employed and I don't even get a refund - I had to pay $4000 in taxes last year. She hung up on me and I never heard from her again.
You're right, it probably is a common tactic. It's pretty funny though. This one agency Financial Credit Corp., which I believe is also Asset Acceptance - a double wammy for me, sends me a letter for every season. It's nice to get a good laugh every now and then. =) Good luck - go for the 1k!!
Girlie, Credit Bureau Services of Kentucky? EVERY LETTER they send you, or every phone call for that matter, IS a violation. Keep your ducks in a row and their game has just turned into YOUR game
Go get them, Girlie girl!!!! I wish ASSet acceptance would send me a 'tax return' letter. They haven't responded to anything, I've sent them. I'd love to have them on a violation!
KHM - Thanks! I know they will send me another one before then. I'm so excited, I think I'll go pitch a tent out by my mailbox and wait for the mailman! ha! No... I can't do that... I wouldn't have my 'puter. Beta - Amen on that. I wish ASSet Accpt. would send me something, too. As you know, I am at war with them also. They signed for the estoppel though. Got my green card back yesterday. They're next on my list! Good luck to you.
Give them a chance to mess up again. Waiting to the end of 30 says increases the chance it will happen!
A ca has been trying to contact me over the phone , it is a recorded message to listen to if you press #1 I have not pressed to hear the message, does this count, I have also sent them the validation and received the green card back. Thanks
