Ok, here goes...what exactly does it mean to request validation? I have a CA that keeps calling me and sending me letters about a debt from an auto insurance company that I disagree with. I asked them for some kind of proof that I owe the money and they responded by sending me a letter saying that there is no reason for me not to pay the debt. I read somewhere (probably here!) that it is a violation for them to continue to send me letters if I requested validation and didn't receive it. Does this fit into that scenario?
Gee! Now we got mind reading bill collectors! What won't these wonderous idiots come up with next? They can read your mind and tell whether you have a reason to pay or not pay! WOW! No wonder the government thinks we ought to outlaw cloning of human beings. Wouldn't want them kind reproducing now would we? (LOL) It sure does! But don't think that is anywhere near enough to get you a win in a court case because it isn't. You need several more violations beside that. I think that you would be able to learn about that and a whole lot more by taking my free short course. All you have to do to get it is to send an email to course1@autobotinfo.com and it starts coming to you for free, no obligations whatever.
Search here for validation letter. Send them the letter, and at the same time ask them to contact you in writing only. Send it certified, return receipt requested. They cannot continue collection action after they get the letter until they send you valid proof of the debt. There are several good letters here if you just search.
I just realized that you don't really have to do a search. If you go to the members-only section, you will find sample letters. One of those is the validation letter. Just change it to fit your needs.
I'm worried about SOl in this situation. When they first send me a letter in 2001, it said I can dispute the debt or request verification, which I did within 30 days. But after the follow-up letter they sent me, which basically just said they see no reason for me not to pay the debt, I ignored their letters. They send them about every month and have posted each time they send them on my credit report. I think they also threatened to sue, I have to go home and dig up the letters. That may be a violation as well? Thanks for all your help!
I asked them for some kind of proof that I owe the money and they responded by sending me a letter saying that there is no reason for me not to pay the debt. beckibb2 ============ Did you ask them what the no reason is? Which lying CA are you dealing with?
1*Why????? 2*You have been asking for proof now for 2 years and they havent' provided it yet? Must be because they don't have it right? What are they going to do concerning SOL with no proof?
And well you should be. But the SOL for reporting purposes is very different than the SOL during which time they must bring suit. In a lot of states that's as little as 3 years for some types of debt and more for other types of debts. That is going to depend on the type of debt and the law in your state. You are talking about insurance and insurance is a recurring debt but not like a credit card. You need to check your state laws to see what the SOL to bring suit is. There are several other serious considerations which will also depend on the law in your state. Well, it undoubtedly said you could dispute the debt or any portion thereof. Good! Hope you still have the proof of that. Ignoring their letters or chunking them in the trash basket is never a good idea. Bet that has fixed your credit report up real pretty like In writing? If so that is a violation of the law. You bet it is.
It's called Summit Collection Agency...my main concern is that I waited to long to send a validation letter. The initial letter I sent was that I disagree the debt is mine, could I have more info...but didn't get the info. I switched auto insurance companies and the older one charged me, I guess for the pro-rated portion or something, but I want to know exactly what I'm paying for!
Re: Re: dumb question! 1* How could you have waited too long when there is no time limit on your right to demand validation? 2 Who is the old Co.??
You said you sent it within the 30 days so that should take care of that if you can prove that you did. But even if you didn't get it to them within the first 30 days it doesn't really make all that much difference most of the time. Yes, you already said that. Well, what is happening to you is what happens every time people just grab up a validation letter and fling it at some collection agency unless they understand the law and have a well designed battle plan so they don't go stumbling through the boodocks presented them by endless stalling on the part of the collectors and the credit bureaus too for that matter. Then after enough time has passed they often end up getting sued and wondering why all that good stuff they found on those great message boards didn't work. Instead of posting messages telling every body that "this board really rocks" they should have spent the time doing their homework and learning. And it don't make one iota of difference who the old insurance company was.
I didn't really consider it "flinging a validation letter," they asked me to let them know if I dispute it and I did. But, as you've pointed out, I already said that. lbrown59: I wasn't sure if I had to send a request for validation within a certain time frame. (and the old insurance company is Selective Insurance.)
1*<< at the same time ask them to contact you in writing only. 2*They cannot continue collection action after they get the letter until they send you valid proof of the debt. 3* One of those is the validation letter. Just change it to fit your needs. Hedwig ============= >> 1*Why lessen the chance that they will violate by including this? I have A ca who tried to collect 6 times after getting my validation letter. 4 of the viloations were collection calls and 2 of them were collection letters. Had I ask them to contact me in writing only and had they complied I would only have them on 2 violiations instead of 6. 2*Is this what you really want them to do? 3*The only change is don't sigh it. The END ************************* LB 59
1*<< at the same time ask them to contact you in writing only. 2*They cannot continue collection action after they get the letter until they send you valid proof of the debt. 3* One of those is the validation letter. Just change it to fit your needs. Hedwig ============= >> 1*Why lessen the chance that they will violate by including this? I have A ca who tried to collect 6 times after getting my validation letter. 4 of the violations were collection calls and 2 of them were collection letters. Had I ask them to contact me in writing only and had they complied I would only have them on 2 violations instead of 6. 2*Is this what you really want them to do? 3*The only change is don't sigh it. The END ************************* LB 59
Re: Re: dumb question! Hi Becki, I'm sorry you're having such a hard time getting a simple answer to your question. I have a feeling we'll be able to deal with this one. To answer your "What is validation" question, go here: http://consumers.creditnet.com/stra...id=42188&highlight=What+AND+is+AND+validation Oh - welcome to the board.
Re: Re: dumb question! Great post, Butch. And of course your link leads to an awful lot of information and discussion that never should have died as it did. Information is the greatest tool there is, bar none. But that tool is just like any other tool. You can have a whole factory full of tools but if you don't know how to use them or can't come up with the instruction books then they aren't worth any more than scrap iron.
