Thank you Chien! This forum lacks private messages (and probably for good reason), so I'll say it here- you use the forums as intended, to inform without flaming. Believe me it has not gone unoticed and it is greadly appreciated. I have learned from you, and I always welcome your constructive corrections.
Randomguy: I will go along with Chien, but I have not done the research on CA state Law.
Personally I would not worry over a balance of $51, but they have attacked your credit rating over a debt that (from what you have said) is not yours. It is good you aren't ignoring this!
Federal, and as Chien points out, State law forbids the Collections Agency to continue their collections effort once timely Debt Validation has been requested. Once validation is sent to you, only then the collections could resume. It really does sound like they have violated. Document it yes, but I would give them another chance to come clean and stop breaking the law.
If they do persist, know that you do have a cause for action.
I got no clue how old the debt is, as they never told me for what debt this is. All i got is original creditor name and amount i owe.
edit:I got plenty of asset to go after but would they for only $51? and would they still not have to validate the debt in court?
I would send a second Debt Validation letter asking them politely to Validate. I would also remind them in the letter you are documenting all perceived violations and that they have missed the first opportunity to validate at their peril. Tell them you need absolute proof this is yours. Do they have a contract with your signature on it? Do they have any kind of accounting for this account that proves it is yours?
If this ever goes to court, you have the ability (called Discovery) to make them prove the debt is yours. If you are taken to court, first you Answer the summons, then you file your Discovery.
If this thing is keeping you up at nights, why not contact and consult with an attorney? Most attornies will give a free consultation and you will get a good picture of what yor rights are.
Good luck with your situation!
TiredOfAbuse
EDIT: Also - send letters to the Credit Reporting Agencies and contest their trade line on your credit report. If the Collection Agency validates with the CRA's, and not with you it will put them into even deeper water if you take action against their violations later.