I started getting really odd calls in July. The numbers were always DC cell numbers. Whenever I answered the people would hang up. I finally googled the numbers and came across information leading me to BCR collection. They have a really bad reputation. I spent weeks getting hung up on when I called. I finally spoke with someone who refused to send me anything in writing stating what the debt was and the amount it was for. I refused. Then she got snippy with me. I let it go for the time being. I tried again about two weeks ago. I never actually spoke to anyone.
I got a letter last Friday from a "law firm" telling me they had been authorized by tmobile to collect the debt. Then further down the letter it said that my account has never been viewed by an attorney. I called them to get some information (I didn't give them any) and the person refused to work with me. He just kept saying the same thing over and over again. He said they have not put it on my credit report. But it is on my credit report, listed as tmobile and bcr. So now I'm really nervous. Supposedly tmobile will have nothing to do with me now. BCR said they sold the debt to them. But how did the debt get from BCR to the law firm? This law firm also refused to send me a letter stating that they "cannot keep sending me letters" even though they've just sent one. I asked to speak with a manager and the person wouldn't let me. He put me on hold and came back saying he spoke with his manager who agreed with him. I repeatedly asked fora manager and he kept saying the same thing. So then I outright said, "Are you refusing to let me speak to your manager?" To which he said no and then started yelling at me about how this was going to ruin my credit if I didn't do something today. He also said they would not take anything other than bank info or a credit card. He also said, "pay it in full and we'll send you a letter saying anything you want AFTER you pay it". Yeah right.
Heres the deal...I want to get this off my report. It's causing a lot of damage. I am unable to dispute this online through my truecredit account with any of the 3 agencies. Do I totally go past the creditors and send written disputes to the agencies?
I don't want to do a pay to delete with a company that doesnt have any control over what is on my credit report currently. And isn't it illegal to add the same thing more than once?
Please help! I am really confused and I really need to get this taken care of. Leaving this on my report even as paid does damage. Thank you!
Hi EABPoland,
Did you send a debt validation letter to the law firm? When you ask for debt validation, you are supposed to receive a copy of the original contract between you and the creditor, a statement showing your payment history along with your outstanding debt, and a document stating that the law firm is legally authorized to collect the debt.
Have you already settled the debt with BCR collections? If it is so, then you can dispute it with the credit reporting agency. They cannot retain the listing on your report, since you have already paid it. Write a dispute letter and attach the proof that you have paid the debt. Under such circumstance, whatever this law firm is demanding is illegal. You can file a complaint against this law firm to the FTC and the State Attorney General since they are violating the FDCPA.