NewEnglander
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Massachusetts
About 6 years ago, I returned to work after being unemployed for quite some time. I settled on two delinquent credit card accounts, which had gone to collection agencies. I cut up my cards, and never applied for or accepted another offer for a credit card. To date, my only card is a debit card.
About 8 months ago I was contacted by an attorney, representing a bank, collecting on a credit card. This collection agency claimed I owed $4,100.00. Since neither of my cards exceeded a $1,200.00 limit and were settled, I assumed that a mistake had been made.
I responded to the initial letter, within 30 days, and indicated that I was disputing the validity of the debt. I also requested information regarding the account, including specifics such as opening and closing dates of the account, charges, etc. I indicated that I needed information on this account so that I could try and pinpoint the problem and determine my next course of action. I received no response. I sent two more letters and received no responses.
I was served a summons a couple of weeks ago. I replied, as required, and noted that I never received a response to my letters, which disputed the validity of the debt and requested additional information regarding the account. I even referenced all three letters sent, including dates.
I just received a letter from the attorney, stating they had no record of my letters – letters which were mailed at the Post Office with a return address and in the same manner that the letter to which they replied was mailed. Something is not right!
Now what? Do I send him copies of the letters? What happens when I go to court? Can I avoid court? Am I entitled to any information on this account? And why is it that this is just popping up now, 6 years later? Do I have any rights? Or, do I just show up in court and agree to pay a debt I don’t believe I owe? Also, I received a court date for next month, which is too soon. I need more time so that I can try and gather some information. Can I delay this date?
I read some of your responses to other posts, including one on “hard inquiries,” but I don’t know if they apply here, in Massachusetts. Right now, I am clueless on how to handle this situation and would really appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks for your time.What is the name of your state?
About 6 years ago, I returned to work after being unemployed for quite some time. I settled on two delinquent credit card accounts, which had gone to collection agencies. I cut up my cards, and never applied for or accepted another offer for a credit card. To date, my only card is a debit card.
About 8 months ago I was contacted by an attorney, representing a bank, collecting on a credit card. This collection agency claimed I owed $4,100.00. Since neither of my cards exceeded a $1,200.00 limit and were settled, I assumed that a mistake had been made.
I responded to the initial letter, within 30 days, and indicated that I was disputing the validity of the debt. I also requested information regarding the account, including specifics such as opening and closing dates of the account, charges, etc. I indicated that I needed information on this account so that I could try and pinpoint the problem and determine my next course of action. I received no response. I sent two more letters and received no responses.
I was served a summons a couple of weeks ago. I replied, as required, and noted that I never received a response to my letters, which disputed the validity of the debt and requested additional information regarding the account. I even referenced all three letters sent, including dates.
I just received a letter from the attorney, stating they had no record of my letters – letters which were mailed at the Post Office with a return address and in the same manner that the letter to which they replied was mailed. Something is not right!
Now what? Do I send him copies of the letters? What happens when I go to court? Can I avoid court? Am I entitled to any information on this account? And why is it that this is just popping up now, 6 years later? Do I have any rights? Or, do I just show up in court and agree to pay a debt I don’t believe I owe? Also, I received a court date for next month, which is too soon. I need more time so that I can try and gather some information. Can I delay this date?
I read some of your responses to other posts, including one on “hard inquiries,” but I don’t know if they apply here, in Massachusetts. Right now, I am clueless on how to handle this situation and would really appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks for your time.What is the name of your state?