Direct Merchants Bank Metris Paid settlement 3yrs ago then sold account to outside credit agency Nevada Internet

Theresa,

NEVER speak to any debt collector on the phone!! This will never do anything positive for you. It will always make things worse., as you have found out.

And, most likely you are not dealing with the original creditor. You are most likely dealing with a JUNK DEBT BUYER who paid pennies or less for this old debt, which most likely could not be validated as would be required in court.

DO NOT mention anything regarding the settlement or the previous account! DENY EVERYTHING! Always.

All you need to do is send a DEBT VALIDATION REQUEST as per the provisions of the FDCPA.

In this letter, clearly DENY the "debt". DEMAND to see whatever you allegedly signed to create the debt as well as a full account history and itemization of charges. Also demand proof that they have the legal right to collect the debt and that they are licensed in your state to do debt collections.

Now, send this by certified mail, return reciept requested. Put the certified# on the letter itself, and keep a copy for your records. This is very important.

STAY OFF THE PHONE!!!!