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Report: #230607

Complaint Review: Afni - Bloomingdale Illinois

  • Submitted:
  • Updated:
  • Reported By: statesville North Carolina
  • Author Confirmed What's this?
  • Why?
  • Afni Po Box 3427 Bloomingdale, Illinois U.S.A.

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I recieved a letter from Afni, Inc stating I owed Verizon Communications, Inc. formally GTE $2645.96 for a phone bill in 1995 and I have never even had a phone ever in my name, when I called them they said we could settle this today for $800.00 or I must pay it in full within 90 days or they will file a judgement and seize anything I own. I just got out of a bad divorce and starting to establish credit since how everything was in my husbands name, I just bought a home and a car which are the 2 major purchases to establish credit and now they say they are going to take whatever I have, I dont have that kind of money to pay something that isnt mine. I know its not mine Ive never had anything in my name and now they are going to destroy my credit. Please help

Sheila
statesville, North Carolina
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/15/2007 01:41 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/afni/bloomingdale-illinois-61702/afni-wanting-me-to-pay-a-bill-of-264596-ripoff-bloomingdale-illinois-230607. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
17Consumer
0Employee/Owner

#17 Author of original report

Got a letter from the BBB

AUTHOR: Sheila - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, February 05, 2007

I got a letter today from the BBB and they have cleared this account up and has made certain it is not on my credit and they said I will be recieving a letter from AFNI stating this account is closed.

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#16 Author of original report

The FBI Called Me!!! YEEHAA

AUTHOR: Sheila - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, January 21, 2007

YES the FBI called me after I filed my complaint with them and they told me not to worry it is a scam but I do need to take the letter Afni sent me and the one I mailed back to them and file a police report ASAP. Just just wanted to give you that much of a update. Thank you all

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#15 Author of original report

Oops! Hubby mailed my letter already certified to 4 of their know address on the 16th.

AUTHOR: Sheila - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Ty ALL for all your responces and helping me, I did retype the letter Steve and fix it as you said and it is just like the one you got wrote up for me where you fixed it on mine, I will send it out AFTER I hear back from you, I have found 4 address that they have so hubby did mail the letter that I have to all 4 address, certified, signature request, and wrote the certify # on all the letters as well, cost me 20.00 but hope its worth it, I am going to mail the new letter that Steve has and mail it to all 4 places certified, return signature, and certify # on Friday that way it will be a little bit of a time frame there. Thanks again for ALL your responces, wished I had got them sooner that way I could have stopped hubby, so if you need to email me directly to catch me quicker please do so at muddywhitboy@yahoo.com. Thank you all again

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#14 Consumer Suggestion

A great validation letter was posted on another thread

AUTHOR: Nikki - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Sheila: Last week, I saw a great validation letter posted on this website. Search for Palisades Collection for the bill for Heilig Meyers and you will find someone posted a validation letter. Take a look at it for help.

However, if it is not on your credit report, I don't know if you should do anything. Anyone have any ideas? Should we always send validation letters to any collection agencies we receive letters from, or should we ignore them until they've placed an entry on our credit reports?

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#13 Consumer Suggestion

They are not your friends and you don't have to say please

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 16, 2007

They are not your friends they are causing alot of us to save our good name because they are greedy slim bags. You don't have to say please they are required by federal law to do this. Spell everything out very specifically. Search for AFNI in this website and read all the posts. Some are more specific than others as to what to put. You have 30 days to do this so don't panic.

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#12 Consumer Suggestion

Sheila, a few suggestions on your letter.

AUTHOR: Steve [Not A Lawyer] - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Sheila,

This letter will work wit only a few changes. The first being the "account #". NEVER do this. ALWAYS use "Your reference#". Stating account# can sometimes be used against you as you are recognizing an "account" exists.

Second is the cerified #. Don't type it. Use the skinny label off the USPS certified label directly on your original letter.

DO NOT sign the letter, just print. Be sure to date the letter as the date you actually mail it.

Sheila Davis
3608 Flint Circle
Statesville, NC 28677
[Account # 016319426-02] *See above
[Certified #]


January 15, 2007


Afni, Inc
Po Box 3427
Bloomingdale, IL 61702


[Dear Friend,] Eliminate this, as they are NOT your friend.]

*To all concerned,

I am writing you in regards to a letter I received trying to collect a debt. I have never had anything in my name ever. This is not my bill and have never heard of the company. Under the FDCPA you are required to send me the Debt Validation please as well as the signed contract that created this bill, and lastly the full account history and itemization of the charges, as I am requesting it please. I do need these four items I have requested ASAP and in a timely manner please.

*I am writing in response to the illegal and unethical collection attempt you have engaged in. I have never done business with said creditor.

Under the provisions of the FDCPA I hereby request full validation of this alleged debt. I need to see the signed original contract that created the alleged debt as well as a full account history and itemization of charges.

I also need proof that you are legally entitled to collect on said debt AND licensed in my state to do debt collections.

Furthermore, if you own the debt, I need to see the purchase contract, proof of payment and full chain of title.

Failure to comply with this request in a timely manner will result in an immediate lawsuit against you for damages as per the provisions of the FDCPA and FCRA as applicable. Reasonable time will be considered 30 days from your reciept of this notice.


[Sincerely,] Eliminate this. Use Thank you, or similar business closing.

Sheila [Last Name here].

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#11 Author of original report

I just typed the letter, hows this sound, im not smart at this, I will put the certify # on it tom. when I mail it.

AUTHOR: Sheila - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Sheila Davis
3608 Flint Circle
Statesville, NC 28677
Account # 016319426-02
Certified #


January 15, 2007


Afni, Inc
Po Box 3427
Bloomingdale, IL 61702


Dear Friend,

I am writing you in regards to a letter I received trying to collect a debt. I have never had anything in my name ever. This is not my bill and have never heard of the company. Under the FDCPA you are required to send me the Debt Validation please as well as the signed contract that created this bill, and lastly the full account history and itemization of the charges, as I am requesting it please. I do need these four items I have requested ASAP and in a timely manner please.

Sincerely,

Sheila

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#10 Consumer Comment

It's amazing how this lizard puke just comes....

AUTHOR: J - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

oozing out of the woodwork. Check the following post: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff230087.htm

Also, check out the site to find the wording for the letter of verification of debt. As Steve continually tells everyone, NEVER talk to them on the phone. In your letter, demand they contact you only by mail.

Someone with a name similar/exact to yours probably owes this debt but they're fishing to find someone fool enough to pay it.

Keep your check book closed. Report them to the FTC. They're scum.

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#9 Consumer Suggestion

Don't get too worried

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Hi, Shelia

First you need to take others suggestions about this. Type in AFNI in a search and you will see this is an epidemic. First do as suggested by Steve and others to validate the debt. Then don't worry because the original debt and delinquency was in 1995 past the statue of limitations and no judgement can be entered and the credit bureaus can only report negative informations for 7 years past the delinquency date.

They may try to change the date the but that is nothing an attorney can't fix. I understand you are probably financially straped after a divorce but the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states if they report anything incorrectly they are liable for actual damages, legal fees and punitive damages. I understand nobody wants to go through this.

I too have got one of these letters for a number of someone where I did not live in 1994. Also go to the FTC website and report them. I have already read one lawsuit where a collection agency was changing dates and reporting to the credit bureau and they were investigated by the FTC and had to pay a huge fine, correct the reporting and lost their liscense to collect so go to FTC.gov they have already violated the Federal laws by saying they were going to take everything from you.

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#8 Consumer Suggestion

Don't get too worried

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Hi, Shelia

First you need to take others suggestions about this. Type in AFNI in a search and you will see this is an epidemic. First do as suggested by Steve and others to validate the debt. Then don't worry because the original debt and delinquency was in 1995 past the statue of limitations and no judgement can be entered and the credit bureaus can only report negative informations for 7 years past the delinquency date.

They may try to change the date the but that is nothing an attorney can't fix. I understand you are probably financially straped after a divorce but the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states if they report anything incorrectly they are liable for actual damages, legal fees and punitive damages. I understand nobody wants to go through this.

I too have got one of these letters for a number of someone where I did not live in 1994. Also go to the FTC website and report them. I have already read one lawsuit where a collection agency was changing dates and reporting to the credit bureau and they were investigated by the FTC and had to pay a huge fine, correct the reporting and lost their liscense to collect so go to FTC.gov they have already violated the Federal laws by saying they were going to take everything from you.

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#7 Consumer Suggestion

Don't get too worried

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Hi, Shelia

First you need to take others suggestions about this. Type in AFNI in a search and you will see this is an epidemic. First do as suggested by Steve and others to validate the debt. Then don't worry because the original debt and delinquency was in 1995 past the statue of limitations and no judgement can be entered and the credit bureaus can only report negative informations for 7 years past the delinquency date.

They may try to change the date the but that is nothing an attorney can't fix. I understand you are probably financially straped after a divorce but the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states if they report anything incorrectly they are liable for actual damages, legal fees and punitive damages. I understand nobody wants to go through this.

I too have got one of these letters for a number of someone where I did not live in 1994. Also go to the FTC website and report them. I have already read one lawsuit where a collection agency was changing dates and reporting to the credit bureau and they were investigated by the FTC and had to pay a huge fine, correct the reporting and lost their liscense to collect so go to FTC.gov they have already violated the Federal laws by saying they were going to take everything from you.

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#6 Consumer Suggestion

Don't get too worried

AUTHOR: Jennifer - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Hi, Shelia

First you need to take others suggestions about this. Type in AFNI in a search and you will see this is an epidemic. First do as suggested by Steve and others to validate the debt. Then don't worry because the original debt and delinquency was in 1995 past the statue of limitations and no judgement can be entered and the credit bureaus can only report negative informations for 7 years past the delinquency date.

They may try to change the date the but that is nothing an attorney can't fix. I understand you are probably financially straped after a divorce but the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states if they report anything incorrectly they are liable for actual damages, legal fees and punitive damages. I understand nobody wants to go through this.

I too have got one of these letters for a number of someone where I did not live in 1994. Also go to the FTC website and report them. I have already read one lawsuit where a collection agency was changing dates and reporting to the credit bureau and they were investigated by the FTC and had to pay a huge fine, correct the reporting and lost their liscense to collect so go to FTC.gov they have already violated the Federal laws by saying they were going to take everything from you.

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#5 Consumer Suggestion

Sheila, RELAX! They CANNOT take anything!

AUTHOR: Steve [Not A Lawyer] - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Sheila,

These are lowlife bottomfeeders you are dealing with. They cannot take anything. These are ILLEGAL, empty threats. They are trying to scare you into at least making a small payment or agreement to pay which would restart the SOL and make the debt legally collectable.

NEVER call, or speak to any debt collector on the phone. NEVER!!

FYI..They cannot "file a judgement" and "sieze everything you own" as they stated. To get a judgement, they must first sue you and win, then seek enforcement of the judgement through the courts with wage garnishments, etc.

A collection agency cannot do any of these things without going through the court system first, but the threats they are making are illegal and in violation of the FDCPA.

Collection agencies are absolutely powerless.

Under the FDCPA they are required to provide you with DEBT VALIDATION upon your request. Simply deny the debt and demand to see whatever signed contract created it, as well as a full account history and itemization of charges. Do not sign the letter, just print.

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

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#4 Consumer Suggestion

Bottom feeding scum looking to rip you off

AUTHOR: Michael - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Sheila,

First, don't talk to these scumbags anymore unless you want to tell them to kiss your a**. Even if you did actually owe the money, this debt is long past the statute of limitations. They are just trying to scare you into paying something you don't owe.

I don't think you have to do anything but ignore their letters, but if you want to do something, just send them a certified letter demanding proof of your debt, and for them to cease communication with you otherwise.

I seriously doubt they would ever sue you, but if they do, DO show up in court. Simply state you don't owe this debt.

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#3 Consumer Suggestion

Bottom feeding scum looking to rip you off

AUTHOR: Michael - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Sheila,

First, don't talk to these scumbags anymore unless you want to tell them to kiss your a**. Even if you did actually owe the money, this debt is long past the statute of limitations. They are just trying to scare you into paying something you don't owe.

I don't think you have to do anything but ignore their letters, but if you want to do something, just send them a certified letter demanding proof of your debt, and for them to cease communication with you otherwise.

I seriously doubt they would ever sue you, but if they do, DO show up in court. Simply state you don't owe this debt.

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#2 Consumer Suggestion

Bottom feeding scum looking to rip you off

AUTHOR: Michael - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Sheila,

First, don't talk to these scumbags anymore unless you want to tell them to kiss your a**. Even if you did actually owe the money, this debt is long past the statute of limitations. They are just trying to scare you into paying something you don't owe.

I don't think you have to do anything but ignore their letters, but if you want to do something, just send them a certified letter demanding proof of your debt, and for them to cease communication with you otherwise.

I seriously doubt they would ever sue you, but if they do, DO show up in court. Simply state you don't owe this debt.

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#1 Consumer Suggestion

Bottom feeding scum looking to rip you off

AUTHOR: Michael - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, January 15, 2007

Sheila,

First, don't talk to these scumbags anymore unless you want to tell them to kiss your a**. Even if you did actually owe the money, this debt is long past the statute of limitations. They are just trying to scare you into paying something you don't owe.

I don't think you have to do anything but ignore their letters, but if you want to do something, just send them a certified letter demanding proof of your debt, and for them to cease communication with you otherwise.

I seriously doubt they would ever sue you, but if they do, DO show up in court. Simply state you don't owe this debt.

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