Robert Nashville/Savannah Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Hello, all!Every now and then, I'll get a phone call or a dunning letter from some CA collecting for an account that isn't mine - as I've mentioned in some of my posts, I have a somewhat unique last name any my theory has always been that because of that, CAs seem to zero in on me…I don't know if it's deliberate (assuming that if I'm not the person they are really looking for I'll know the right one because they assume I will be related to them) of if it's just a result of the computerized age we live in and the incompetence of most CAs.At any rate, I have a situation here that goes a bit beyond the ordinary and would like some input on how best to address it.A few days ago, I had a very generic message on my voice mail asking me to call and I did…the idiot (and I'm being generous only calling him that) initially identified himself as being "with the Ohio Attorney General's office collecting for a "bad check". When I asked point blank if he was an employee of the Ohio AG this fellow finally admitted he worked for a collection agency. I asked if there were someone there with a brain I could speak with…he hung up while I was still laughing at him.I called back a few moments later and actually got someone who did seem to have at least some neurons firing and she told me this was a dishonored check written to "Columbus State University" in 1989. I asked for information such as check number, account number, the bank drawn on, the issuer's name and address imprinted on the check, etc and she said she didn't have either the check or a copy of the check with her. She also didn't have the amount the check was written for but they are asking for about $350.She said if I didn't pay up or make arrangements to pay immediately they would pursue legal action. I couldn't help but chuckle as I asked her what "legal action" she intended to take on an 18 year old alleged bad check…she hung up.This past Saturday and I received their initial dunning letter.Here is some background…I grew up in Ohio; left in '73 while I was in the Navy, came back to Ohio in '81 and pursued two bachelor degrees (graduated in '85 and '86)…pursued an MBA starting in late '86…moved to Tennessee from Ohio in late '96.I never attended Columbus State (it only awards Associate Degrees) nor in fact have I ever been on the campus of Columbus State - I am about as sure as a person can be that I've never written a check to them either "good" or "bad".I believe SOL in Ohio is 15 years/6 years in Tennessee so unless they tried to say that my move to Tennessee tolled the SOL in Ohio I don't see this as a real problem.What I'm trying to decide at this point is whether to start the DV process or simply tell them what to go do with themselves.I see an advantage with the DV because if they respond and actually give me some worthwhile information, they may provide me with exactly the information I need to prove this is not my debt…on the other hand, it may be a bit of time/effort on my part for zero reward.So…my question is what would you do and why?Let me know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willingtocope Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Its my own personal rule to always DV a dunning letter. You may need the proof that you tried to validate it if it ever goes to court. If they do send you something, and you're sure its not yours or its SOL, then you can respond with a FOAD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerikaner83 Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Sure, why not? DV the thing - it'll make them show their hand. After all, they already have a violation or two with that dude saying he was from the AG's office (I hope it was recorded.....) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moneedshelp Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 DV, it shouldn't take too much of your time, and they will probably "hang up" on you again If they call again, try the detective investigating a crime bit. that was so funny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTO429 Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Some one listens to Bob and Tom. lol. I'd dv just to prove I tried to solve the debt with them. I bet they wont sue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerikaner83 Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Oh even if they do sue him - that'd make his day! I bet he'd squeeze every penny out of it he could if they did that! Let's see - misrepresenting the status of a debt (suing past SOL), impresenation of a government entity (AG's office) for starters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betam4x Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Hi Robert,Did you record them claiming to be from the AG? If so, send a copy of that recording to the AG and let them take legal action against the company. You get to sit back and watch the fireworks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Nashville/Savannah Posted April 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 No...no recording nor am I looking for violations. However, should they be stupid enough to sue me I guarantee you they will regret it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwoodystyl Posted April 8, 2008 Report Share Posted April 8, 2008 I say DV. Then C&D (FOAD full nutcase style)...This makes me realize that I am NEVER ever going to be able to get rid of the affidavits of forgery and check images I have from a fraud claim 2 years ago. I will have to keep those documents for as long as I live Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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