It is unfortunate you had to go through that. Take a look at my other post, hope it helps you!

I've been a debt collector for several years and have worked in all stages of the debt collection process. It is unfortunate when consumers have to deal with issues such as this, but that's where knowledge comes into play. If your an informed consumer, no one can take advantage of you! The next time you get this call, advise them of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) laws and that they are breaking them with false/misleading information but harassment. The debt collector may say some nonsense like "FDCPA laws don't govern us." This is not true,if they are attempting to collect a debt they are governed by these, as well as the American Collectors Association (ACA) laws (<--this organization actually gives reputable collection agencies (along with the Attoney general of the respective state that the agency in question is choosing to do business in) the "ok" to "practice" there). Also look up the laws so you may quote the exact law and file a dispute with your local BBB and Attorney General. If they will give you an address,sent this letter -->>>

Your Name
Your Address

Collector's Name
Collector's Address

Dear {insert name of collector or company},

I am writing in response to your (letter or phone call) dated {insert date}, (copy enclosed) because I do not believe I owe what you say I owe.

This is the first I've heard from you, or any other company on this matter therefore, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Section 809(b): Validating Debts:

***(b) If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection (a) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector.

I respectfully request that you provide me with the following information:

(1) the amount of the debt;
(2) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed;
(3) Provide a verification or copy of any judgment (if applicable);
(4) Proof that you are licensed to collect debts in (insert name of your state)
Be advised that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For instance, I know that:

because I have disputed this debt in writing within 30 days of receipt of your dunning notice, you must obtain verification of the debt or a copy of the judgment against me and mail these items to me at your expense;
you cannot add interest or fees except those allowed by the original contract or state law.
you do not have to respond to this dispute but if you do, any attempt to collect this debt without validating it, violates the FDCPA;
Also be advised that I am keeping very accurate records of all correspondence from you and your company including recording all phone calls and I will not hesitate to report violations of the law to my State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau.

I have disputed this debt; therefore, until validated you know your information concerning this debt is inaccurate. Thus, if you have already reported this debt to any credit-reporting agency (CRA) or Credit Bureau (CB) then, you must immediately inform them of my dispute with this debt. Reporting information that you know to be inaccurate or failing to report information correctly violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act § 1681s-2. Should you pursue a judgment without validating this debt, I will inform the judge and request the case be dismissed based on your failure to comply with the FDCPA.

Finally, if I do not own this debt, I demand that you immediately send a copy of this dispute letter to the original creditor so they are also aware of my dispute with this debt.

 

Signature here
Your Printed Name

*** the company might give you flack over the 30day rule but remind them that they are still in violation of the FDCPA law that states they are unable to make false claims of filing a suit against you and not following through with it. As documented in the FDCPA laws, the consumer now has the upper hand and, if they choose, may seek legal counsel and file suit for false representation by the debt collector/presenting misleading information. Be sure to ask the debt collector questions like are they a 3rd party debt collector (as the governing laws for debt collections vary not only by state, but also by the status of the debt as it pertains to the collection process), when was the debt created, who is/was the original creditor, when was the debt placed with their office. (if they choose not to send you the letter, which, by the way is another violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). I would encourage you as the consumer to read up on governing laws of debt collection as a whole and by state. Contact your states Attorney general for state specific information. I know this is alot of information, but I hope it helps!

This guy now calls himself STEPHEN Bull when he calls me...same threatening behavior...good to know he is full of it and i wish there were some way to stop this kind of crap

did richard bull ever pursue the "civil and criminal action"? I have recieved the same calls. and have spoken to richard bull.

Ok it says iy was CST Mitigation.

Please check out this thread on these fake pay-day loan scammer:
http://800notes.com/forum/ta-1b47a30428c1e14/ ... ew-numbers-here

Call came from a debt collector. I could not understand the name of the company. The caller identified himself as Mr. Coleman and said he was calling about a payday loan with mycash now from three years ago. I asked him if he was sure he had the right person as I have had payday loans before but, they have all been paid off. He asked for me to give him my social so he could verify the information. I refused and advised him that I was recording the call. He then handed me off to his supervisor, Richard Bull. Bull threatened to file a civil lawsuit against me and to present he case to the District Attorney's Office to pursue criminal charges for fraud. I told him that he needed to prove to me that I owed the debt. He said he did not have to. He hung up. The same two people called back three days later at my place of employment. I told them I was recording the call and that they should not call me anymore. Bull said he would call as much as he likes and demanded that I transfer the call to Human Resources. I told him I would not and I did not have to. He hung up and called right back and asked for HR. I told him that it was not their number. He demanded to talk to my supervisor. I told him no. He again threatened me with civil and criminal action. I told him to do what ever he felt was necessary. He hung up.