ICS Enraged by Collections Activities Nationwide

Calm down and relax. It's a scam. No legitimate debt collector would operate this way.

Next time the call, simply tell them since you're home they should send the police right now-you'll wait. Also inform them that you've reported this scam to IC3 (FBI Website-go ahead and actually report it.)

Educate yourself about debt collection laws. Go to the FTC Website www.ftc.gov and search for the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. You can download it-then READ IT. It's in plain English-not legalese. This will give you a very good start on how to deal with ANY debt collector.

Relax. Now have some fun with these schmucks the next time they call.

The very first rule is to STAY OFF THE PHONE!!!

NEVER speak to ANY "third party" debt collector on the phone! Doing so will never bring positive results for you and will in most cases only make things worse.

The first thing you want to do right now is pull all three of your credit reports and see what is listed there. If there is any LEGITIMATE collections activity against you, it will show up there, as well as the full name, address, and phone # of the company taking the action.

Now, you must make your disputes and demands ONLY IN WRITING! And, NEVER sign anything you send to any collector, or they may transfer your signature on to a contract. Not uncommon at all among bottomfeeders.

All written communications need to be sent via CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECIEPT REQUESTED. Be sure to put the certified# in the body of the letter itself, and keep a copy for your records. This is very important as it proves exactly what you sent.

Now, by the means above, send the collection agency a "REQUEST FOR DEBT VALIDATION".

In this letter, simply state that you are not aware of any outstanding debt, and hereby DEMAND to see whatever documentation they have on this alleged debt. As a minimum you need to DEMAND to see a signed contract and itemization of charges.

Let them know that as per FCRA and FDCPA rules, all collections activity must cease until said information is provided, and that all negative reporting must be removed from your credit reports until validated. Inform them that failure to comply will result in a civil lawsuit.

Remember, STAY OFF THE PHONE!!

Also, by the means above, send letters of dispute to each affected credit bureau. Simply dispute as "not my account".

Done.

FYI...You cannot be arrested or jailed for any civil debt.

Now, if it is a recent bad check, you could end up in the bad check program and prosecuted by the DA's office, but that would not be handled by a third party debt collector. You would get a summons with a court date.