I sent a validation letter to a collection agency in MN called Northland 9 days ago. They were trying to collect a debt from 1996 (First Consumers National Bank for $ 820) which I indeed owed. Today I received a letter that says: "This is a response to your recent correspondence. We have noted your file and will cease any further collection activity. Accordingly we are closing our file in this matter and will send a request to Trans Union, Experian and Equifax to have this account deleted. If you have any questions contact this office at XXX This communication is sent to you by Northland Group, a Professional Debt Collection Agency." I love it! In this country you are innocent until proven guilty. If they can't verify why should you be penalized? FYI here is the letter I sent them: [Subscriber] [Address] [City state ZIP] [Collector] [Address] [City state ZIP] [Phone number] [Date] Re inquiry dated ___: account no. (none) Greetings: Thank you for your recent inquiry. This is not a refusal to pay, but a notice that your claim is disputed. This is a request for validation made pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Please complete the attached form and follow its instructions and your claim will be processed as soon as this information is received. Please be advised that I am not requesting a "verification" that you have my mailing address, I am requesting a "validation;" that is, competent evidence that I have some contractual obligation to pay you. You should also be aware that sending unsubstantiated demands for payment through the United States Mail System might constitute mail fraud under federal and state law. You may wish to consult with a competent legal advisor before your next communication with me. Your failure to satisfy this request within the requirements of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act will be construed as your absolute waiver of any and all claims against me, and your tacit agreement to compensate me for costs and attorney fees. Best regards, [Subscriber] CREDITOR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Name and Address of Collector (assignee): ____________________________________________________________________________ Name and Address of Debtor: ____________________________________________________________________________ Account Number(s): ____________________________________________________________________________ What are the terms of assignment for this account? You may attach a facsimile of any records relating to such terms. ____________________________________________________________________________ Have any insurance claims been made by any creditor or assignee regarding this account? Yes / no ____________________________________________________________________________ Has the purported balanced of this account been used in any tax deduction claim? Yes / no ____________________________________________________________________________ Please list the particular products or services sold by the collector to the debtor and the dollar amount of each: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Upon failure or refusal of collector to validate this collection action, collector agrees to waive all claims against the debtor named herein and pay debtor for all costs and attorney fees involved in defending this collection action. X________________________________ _________________ Authorized signature for Collector Date Please return this completed form and attach all assignment or other transfer agreements that would establish your right to collect this debt. Your claim cannot be considered if any portion of this form is not completed and returned with the required documents. This is a request for validation made pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If you do not respond as required by this law, your claim will not be considered and you may be liable for damages for continued collection efforts. Please allow thirty days for processing after receipt of your request
Re: Collection Agency defeated How ironic! I just received a collection letter from Northland too, for an old Discover charge off (1997). Do you think I should try to send them the same letter?
Re: Collection Agency defeated Go right ahead! Do that before they add a duplicate account in your credit report
