ARA Asset Recovery Associates ripp off Schaumburg IL. 60168-4009 Illinois

For your information:
1) Once a debt is past the statute of limitations, you do not have to pay it...12 years is WAY outside the statute of limitations. You could have sent them a Cease Communications letter and that would have been the end of it

I hope you did not give them your checking account numbers to make this payment. Once they have this info they can attempt to withdraw any amount from your checking account at any time. If you did, cancel your checking account IMMEDIATELY...otherwise, expect them to take every penny you have out the account.

2) By making a payment on this debt, you have validated the debt as legitimate and you have reset the statute of limitations. If you reached a settlement over the phone (without a written agreement), they will not honor it. They will probably be calling you in a few weeks demanding more money

3) When a debt collector first contacts you, your first step should always be to request validation of the debt per your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Even if the debt is valid, request validation anyway.

Send them a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt stating:

Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting written validation of this alleged debt

When they call back, tell them: I have sent a certified letter to your office officially requesting written validation of this alleged debt per my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Per this federal law they must provide written validation within 30 days and they must cease collection activity until they send you written validation. Do not let them scare you with bogus threats during this period. This will give you breathing time to explore your options.

It's too late for this now if your case.

4) NEVER, EVER give out your SS# over the phone