I pull my credit report once a year. In mid-2003, I saw something from Bell South show up on my credit report for an outstanding amount of 81.14. The strange this is I never had service with Bell South. The collection agency for this ordeal is CBCS. I requested a fraud package and all I got was a piece of paper with the address and a phone number that was initiated in my name.
It asked me to prove i did not live at that address. The account stated the account was from September 1, 2000 through September 19, 2001. To make a long story somewhat short, I was able to find my account from Knology at the real address I lived at including phone details showing the calls I made at the time the phone service was initiated in my name. After further research, I found that the address that had me listed was an apartment complex I had once applied for. My mistake I advised CBCS of the new info I had and they said it was a civil matter and I need to pay the dept now. I recorded all phone conversations.
Mrs. Blue from CBCS told me to pay in full and I did not have to worry because it was NOT on my credit report. I told her it WAS on my credit report because thats how I found about about this and contacted THEM initially. She then stated they had submitted a request to have it removed... I'm thinking, if it "wasn't on there" now why is she saying they submitted to have it removed. She then said I have to pay the balance, and then I can dispute the charge and THEY(CBCS) will approve the removal of the charge. I sent them via certified mail a request for a VALIDATION not VERIFICATION they have my address... All I received was a letter stating "haven't you stalled long enough.." and demand for payment. I called them asking them to verify if that was their response since I have to legally give them until April 19, 2004 before I can persue legal action.
The did not directly answer my question. They transferred me to a supervisor and he stated the amount is due in full now and asked for my credit card number. I asked him if this account was purchased or assigned... his reply was "Bell South has taken you to collections for your past due amount".. Little does he know, I've already been working with Bell South directly and they verified they are unable to verify the debt and in fact had been deleted from there records. So I have no way of knowing who initiated the service, but the fact now is that the account doesn't even exist. I received a letter from Bell South in writing stating that the account is no longer and the system and apparently has been deleted.
Then today (March 26, 2004) I got a voice mail from Bell South stating that they can't send me a fraud packet since they don't have any account information and to remove from my credit report.. they advised to dispute the information and the credit bureau and they(bell south) will not be able to validate the account and will have it removed. Bell South has been cool, but CBCS is still persistant yet never sent me a validation. I sent them another letter today and if I do not get the validation, I will be filing a lawsuit against them.
After looking at some other entries, I feel I'm not alone in this type of matter. Seems to be possibly fraud to me.
Joe
Murray, Utah