I received a bill today from a collection agency with my address, but my ex-husband's name on it. (Ex has not been seen, heard from nor thought about in over 10 years.) I have no idea where he is or why this has been sent to me. This bill has NOTHING to do with me unless he forged my name on it (which wouldn't be beyond the realm of possibility.) He's never lived at this address, nor does he even know where I live. Since I left him I have moved 5 times (one move was out of state) and gotten remarried. He doesn't know my name now or where I am. What can I do?! I am freaking out because I don't want him to know where I am and I am afraid this collection agency will end up spilling the beans to this lunatic as to where I am. (Yes, he is a lunatic. I have orders of protection in two states and police reports outlining the violence and attempts on my life. This is no laughing matter; I am nearly beside myself right now with fear.) I am posting this question here because you all seem so extremely knowledgeable in dealing with collection agencies. Will a simple "RETURN TO SENDER, recipient unknown at this address" suffice? I know I shouldn't call them but I can't help but want to call and just scream at them, "WTF?!?" Any advice and guidance would be appreciated. Thank you, Pashan
I would send it back unopened, but I would do it this way: 1. Make a photocopy of the envelope you received 2. Mail it back unopened in another envelope with a short letter enclosed saying something like: "The is no one with this name living at this address" Short and sweet, I would not even put my name on the return address only street, city zip code
You may also want to check your credit reports, since your ex-husband's information may still be linkable to yours. You may find other accounts of his, or his addresses listed as yours. Your address might therefore end up on his report, also.
What would I do if our addresses are "linked" or if he is still "linkable"? I got a divorce and moved 4 states away - I'm as unlinked as I thought I could get!!! I had no idea this was even a remote possibility, it's been over 10 years... why now?! Thanks for the help everyone. ~P
Ontrack is right! You need to check all 3 credit reports now, and remove all old addresses they may list for you Also look for any accounts where you were joint owner with your ex It is possible he defaulted on old accounts that had your name on as well and now they coming after you for the balance You should not have to worry about anything (Except keeping him out of your life) Since you have been divorced for so many years it is probable that the debts in question will all be beyond the SOL anyway But you really need to know exactly where you stand...get copies of your CR's!!!
More than likely, when you did have the same address, they kept those files joined and added his addresses to your file, and your addresses to his file. You need to get all reports, and dispute any addresses and accounts which are not yours in any way shape or form. Take a look at Johnson v. MBNA, and use something similar to her phrasing of the dispute. "NOT MINE, POSSIBLY EX-HUSBAND'S; NEVER HAD ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ACCOUNT." This way, if any of them do attempt to verify that any possibly cross-linked accounts are in fact yours, you will have a legal case model (which netted Johnson $90,300.00) to use.
After speaking with a lawyer, I sent a copy of the bill (retaining the original for my records) and the following letter to them via fax and registered mail today: Dear Ima Collector, On June 1, 2004 the enclosed bill was delivered to my address, 123 Anywhere Avenue, addressed to Hesa Jerk. Mr. Hesa Jerk has never resided at this address and his whereabouts are unknown by all persons residing at this address. From May 5, 1991 to October, 1992 I was married to Hesa Jerk. We were divorced in Anyhoo County, Ohio in August of 1992. I have not seen or heard from Hesa Jerk since June, 1993. My last knowledge of his whereabouts was in June, 2003 and I knew him to be in Jacksonville, North Carolina. I have retained the original collection notice and a copy of this letter for my records. I have also forwarded a copy to my legal counsel. Should you contact me again to collect this debt, I will pursue legal action. On advice from my attorney I am cordially requesting that proof be provided to me, in writing, that I am not currently being held responsible for this debt, nor that I will be in the future. Sincerely, Levam E. Alone Hopefully this will resolve this particular issue. Now to move on and fix our "linked" information via the 3 bureaus. Thanks for the advice here, all!!
(Yes, he is a lunatic. I have orders of protection in two states and police reports outlining the violence and attempts on my life. This is no laughing matter; I am nearly beside myself right now with fear. =========================================== Wonder how many people have been harmed or killed as the result of collectors overzealous greed to collect a few bucks in situations such as this one.
I think I might have been stronger in my letter. You said this guy has threatened you. I think I would have made it PERFECTLY CLEAR to them that if your ex located you due to any negligence on their part you would be going for them guns blazing. If this is a very old debt - those are the scummiest of the scummy CAs.
