I received a validation letter from a collection attorney that was just a copy of an agreement. Is this really a validation of the debt? Yes, we had an agreement but dispute the debt (amount in question is about $4,000). Is this a true validation of debt or should I send another request, again, disputing the debt? Also, the validation was not sent via certified mail, so how can they prove they complied with my request? Thanks.
They don't need to send it certified mail. As long as their records show it was mailed, it will be accepted. You should send them a letter and ask them for an accounting of how they arrived at the balance. If the agreement didn't have your name in it, ask for proof that it's your debt. If the agreement had your name on it, just ask for an accounting of the balance.
Thanks. They had previously sent a "list" of payments. It was not a general ledger balance, simply a typed list from the original contract holder (based on their deposits). So I responded that I disputed and requested validation. They responded with the original list and a copy of the agreement. Can I respond to their validation by disputing the amount and asking for an accounting of this? OR should I dispute the amount and include my own list of payments made to demonstrate my case? Also, what would the time frame be? I assume to respond within 30 days before they advise their client of further action. I appreciate the help!
Thanks! Thanks for the advise! This is driving me crazy ... they are trying to collect on something already paid and I am afraid it is going to turn into a he said/she said situation (and I will lose!).
Do you have any record of payments? Does it match what they sent? You can deny their documentation all you want and they'll just keep sending you letters until they decide to: a) go away or b) take you to court (there are some variations of those as well, but you get the idea.) What is it that you're looking to get from them? Maybe you need to ask them specifically for "whatever" instead of just saying "that's not good enough" (or words to that effect)? I'm just not sure what the underlying problem is, here.
I dispute that I owe any amount (this was a lease agreement). I feel they are trying get money out of me because I did not renew the lease agreement. I met all obligations. Now they are tacking on late fees, based on their deposit records and not when they received paymet. Prior to this (while the lease agreement was in full force) I was never notified that they never received full payment or there were late fees. Unfortunately, I do not have receipts of all payments but most of the them. Should I provide them my list of payments made (with dates)? I appreciate any advise. This situation upsets me since I did nothing wrong except "trust" the individuals and thereby not worry about tracking payments. Thanks.
Yes, give them some evidence that the debt they're claiming owed was actually paid. Otherwise, what they're sending you is proper validation under the FDCPA.
