I have been fighting with Williams & Fudge (in NC) over a Perkins loan that is not mine. It was written off in 10/97 by the college, and I found out about it in '01. I didn't do anything to try to fix my reports (I know, I didn't have this board at that time, and I thought it would go away). I got a car loan, which is how I found out. Anyway, WF has called repeatedly, sent me "consolidation' forms with my personal info hand written on the forms, and the forms also contain my true (I actually owe this loan) amount that is current. My guess is that WF wants me to consolidate the false loan with the real one. Now, I jkust got a call on my answering machine from Lori saying that this was her final call, and to please call her back. What do I do? I've tried calling the college (KY), and all I get is a runaround. I'm scared! This is a Perkins loan from the govt, and it's not mine. I just can't even think what the govt may try to do to me. Can anyone offer any advice? Please?
I know that there is an ombudsman, I think at the Dept of Education, who may be able to help. I haven't had a student loan so I can't be much help. But if you do an advanced search, put in "ombudsman" and for the poster's name put "Roni" you should get a lot of hits. Roni was a poster here several years ago and she had some student loans and posted a lot of info on the ombudsman and how to get help. Don't talk to the CA anymore. Don't admit to anything.
If it is a Perkins loan then the school should have SOMETHING on it since the US government gives it to them to dole out at their discretion. The school usually has all the say in what happens to the loan so they SHOULD be able to tell you where they are getting their info from. Call the Federal Financial Aid Center at 1-800-433-3243 and have them help you. They can tell you if you have a guaranteed loan from the government and maybe they can steer you in the right direction. If it is NOT a guaranteed loan, they cannot keep it on your credit report for more than the 7 year time period (and in your case it is obsolete now) and you need to dispute it with the CRAs. Call the FFAC then keep calling the school until you get someone who can help you, not just a stuent who is fielding calls for work study.
If it is a Perkins loan then the school should have SOMETHING on it since the US government gives it to them to dole out at their discretion. The school usually has all the say in what happens to the loan so they SHOULD be able to tell you where they are getting their info from. Call the Federal Financial Aid Center at 1-800-433-3243 and have them help you. They can tell you if you have a guaranteed loan from the government and maybe they can steer you in the right direction. If it is NOT a guaranteed loan, they cannot keep it on your credit report for more than the 7 year time period (and in your case it is obsolete now) and you need to dispute it with the CRAs. Call the FFAC then keep calling the school until you get someone who can help you, not just a student who is fielding calls for work study.
Thanks for the numbers-- Well, today is Thursday, and W&F has called 3 times today alone. Lori, and then John, twice. John was hung up on, and then he immediately called back. I didn't answer, but he left a nasty message. I am so tired of this--can they keep constantly calling me like this? What about a limited cease & detest letter--or is that *not* a good idea? (Tipping my hand so to speak.)
Why not write them a letter, tell them you don't believe this loan is yours (or if you've already admitted that, then just say you don't understand where they got the amount). Ask for a detailed accounting. At the same time, ask them to contact you only in writing. Don't answer your phone. If you don't have caller ID, let your machine pick it up. If it's someone you want to talk to, you can answer the phone. That's what I do (not to avoid creditors anymore, just to avoid the telemarketers).
Were the forms they sent you in response to a validation request by you or did they just send them for fun? I am not understanding what they are trying to pull here if they already have your original information and loan amounts. The loan amount is current you say? What did the folks at the FFAC have to say? I agree with Hedwig, don't answer the phone for now and start building a papertrail to build your case on. You need to write them explaining your side and what you belive to be right and send it CMRR. I wouldn't send them a C&D letter just yet until you have a better idea of what is going on and where they are getting their information.
Re: Re: scared and need advice I am. But remember, you can still be called by: Any company you do business with (like most of the major banks that want to sell you "benefits" like credit protection). Charities (I give to some so I'm on everyone's list) Political organizations. The last one must have been really bad for those who answer their phone in the weeks preceding the election. On the days I was home we'd have dozen or so calls that hung up when the machine answered. My husband said it was just as bad on the days I wasn't there!!
Re: Re: scared and need advice I heard something distressing last night. They're trying to get a new law passed that will allow telemarketers to leave a pre-recorded message on your answering machine EVEN IF YOU'RE ON THE DO NOT CALL LIST!!! You know the telemarketers are behind it. Just what I need--to have my answering machine's memory filled with this junk!
Re: Re: scared and need advice Ice Siren--no, I didn't request these forms, but W&F has handwritten my personal info (SS#, address, etc...) on them, and sent them to me along with a form that authorizes them to 'consolidate' my loan(s). My only valid loan is the one that I am paying, and it is current and in good standing. I have never admitted to anything, b/c I will not talk to them. I always hangup. According to the info when I got the car loan, this account was written off by the college in 10/97. I attended and graduated form this college in 1991, so any loan or financial aid was done 89 or 90. 15 years ago. And I'm just now (in late 2003 or early 2004) being made aware of it? I don't get ity either--are they doing a PP to get my real loan's balance? Isn't this illegal since *that* loan is fine? I haven't called any numbers yet--my dad died on Friday, and quite frankly, W&F can go $#&! themselve at htis point in life. Thanks for helping!
Re: Re: scared and need advice I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I wouldn't worry about them either at this point. Something is fishy about this and it can all wait until you feel like dealing with it...if you ever do. If they won't quit calling, I would DV them to shut them up since it seems they have nothing and let them hang themselves.
Re: Re: scared and need advice I agree with Ice_Siren--let it go until you can deal with it. Mail them, Certified Return Receipt Requested, and ask for validation. Also tell them to contact you by mail only. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I know how tough that can be. Deal with that part of your life now, the rest can wait. I'm sure that others in your family need you now, too.
