I currently reside in Florida. I have been disputing something on my credit report with a collection agency located in Virginia. The collection is supposedly from an apartment complex I lived at in Virginia in 96-97. I have the CA on at least 3 violations. My question: Can I sue them in FL (where I currently live) or do I have to sue them in VA (where they are located and where the debt was supposedly incurred)? Anyone that knows an answer, please respond. Thanks!
Look them up on Florida State Attorney General Website to see if they are registered in florida. If they are then serve them at the registered address and yes you can sue in your state. Which brings me to another question. How do you determine if a collection agency is liscensed to collect in your state. What recourse do you have if they are not?
They are not listed. They are based in VA. So, can I sue them in the county court where I live in FL?
Not all states requires collectors to have a licence. I only know about FL, so if you live here, you can check if "your" CA has an active licence. Click on "public licence search" and chose collection agencies. http://www.dbf.state.fl.us/licensing/ There are also links to the FL Statutes, including the Florida Debt Collection Act. I also have a spreadsheet of Licenced collectors in FL that I got from someone on a board. If anyone wants it, email me and I'll send it.
