FCNB / SPIEGEL ripoff! Inaccurate contact information of company leads to debt collection issues. Old Bethpage, New York

Hello fellow people who have issues with this company,

I myself have tried to find appropriate contact information for this creditor since APRIL of 2003, one month after they filed for bankruptcy. I have spent valuable time and money on phone calls (even from Europe) that went nowhere. Hours invested in trying to find information on the internet only to have their (FCNB) webpage not open. Talking to people at Spiegel catalog and Eddie Bauer who had no information to give regarding who to contact.

PLEASE - utilize your rights as consumers. I see that many of you have had the same or similar problems as I since Spiegel filed bankruptcy due to problems with FCNB. These are the steps I have taken and you can as well.

Call the credit reporting agencies (experian, transunion, and equifax) get a copy of your personal credit report (this is now offered for free once a year - www.annualcreditreports.com) If Spiegel or the associated name bank has reported negative remarks by saying that you are late pay, charge-off etc. open a dispute with the CRA.

THEN...Call the FTC (federal trade commission) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (or go online to ftc.gov) File a complaint against Spiegel/FCNB for not having correct contact information or whatever the issue may be that brought you to this point. This is important because IF THE FTC FINDS A PATTERN WHICH MAY BE BREAKING THE LAW, they will instigate an investigation and pursue the company to resolve the issue on behalf of those filing complaints. This is your right as a consumer. By filing you will help not only yorself, but all others who are having similar issues with a creditor.

You also have a right not to be harrassed by Debt collectors. Get information regarding this on the ftc website. Also there is a great sample Do Not Contact letter there as well.

BE INFORMED OF YOUR RIGHTS. DON'T JUST COMPLAIN - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

Jennifer
Las Cruces, New Mexico
U.S.A.