[Lucy]

The first time I asked for validation on one acct was back in 2002, never received anything. lThe last time that I disputed this was in 2003, didn't get anything then either.

Last week I get a notification that this acct had been placed for collection with so & so & assoc. I sent off a dispute and yesterday I got a letter saying that they received my dispute, will cease collection activity until verification is obtained. Also, if they receive documents that show the debt is valid they will mail them to me.

Surely they know they are trying to collect on an old debt, the thing has even fallen off my cr's, for goodness sakes.

Don't these people even check before they take on something? Such wasted effort.

[jlynn]

It probably cost them .02 cents on the dollar. They don't care - law of averages says some people will pay those, and the cost to benefit is high.

[centex]

Originally Posted by Lucy

Last week I get a notification that this acct had been placed for collection with so & so & assoc. I sent off a dispute and yesterday I got a letter saying that they received my dispute, will cease collection activity until verification is obtained. Also, if they receive documents that show the debt is valid they will mail them to me.

Surely they know they are trying to collect on an old debt, the thing has even fallen off my cr's, for goodness sakes.

Don't these people even check before they take on something? Such wasted effort.

The fact that it is old is irrelevant...a red herring if you will. With the exception of a couple of states, they can attempt to collect into perpetuity.

It is not uncommon for purchasers to sell a hog to a subsequent purchaser. Although they will claim to have scrubbed a portfolio, they often have not noted those accounts being sold that were disputed. Thus, the initial attempt to collect by the new owner comprises bonafide error in most instances...recourse will be between them and the previous owner.