Galvarino Posted August 8, 2018 Report Share Posted August 8, 2018 Hello, My father is being harassed by a collection agency named Municipal Services Bureau demanding payment for a "City of Los Angeles (Business Tax)" matter. My father is a senior citizen and doesn't know what the debt is about. The date of the debt printed on the letter is 6/13/2017. What can I do to help him? Write a debt validation letter? Call the collection agency and get more info? Hire a professional to deal with this? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Seaward Posted August 9, 2018 Report Share Posted August 9, 2018 If it hasn't been 30 days since their first communication, he can send a DV letter. Otherwise, he can send them a cease and desist letter. Aside from that, not much he can do unless he can prove they are violating the FDCPA in some way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clydesmom Posted August 9, 2018 Report Share Posted August 9, 2018 18 minutes ago, Harry Seaward said: If it hasn't been 30 days since their first communication, he can send a DV letter. Actually California is one of the few states that gives its residents the right to dispute ANY time not just within the first 30 days. 1 hour ago, Galvarino said: My father is being harassed by a collection agency named Municipal Services Bureau demanding payment for a "City of Los Angeles (Business Tax)" matter. Any chance your father has a common name and they are harassing the wrong consumer? 1 hour ago, Galvarino said: What can I do to help him? Write a debt validation letter? Call the collection agency and get more info? Hire a professional to deal with this? Start with the DV letter then show your father this: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2017/03/debt-collector-governments-made-false-threats https://www.classaction.org/news/tcpa-class-action-filed-against-municipal-services-bureau Do NOT call them. For a legitimate collection agency apparently they are still operating like the sleazy ones from a decade ago. They have been sued by the CFPB/FTC and in class action suits over their phone calls. They are not going to report the debt and are not going to sue. The research I found indicates they make a LOT of threats but have no bite. He can also send a cease and desist. If all of that fails go with #4 and hire a professional to sue them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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