Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

How do I fight a Collections Agency in a different state who are trying to colle

I live in WA and I received a call from a collections agency in CA, who are trying to collect on a contract that was done in Mexico. I have considered the contract invalid because I purchased what I thought was a deeded timeshare unit. After I returned home I received a Certificate for a 25 year lease. I wrote the information into the contract indicating that I was purchasing deeded property and had it initialed by a person working for the company that said he was authorized to do so. Can the collections agency collect a debt that was initiated in Mexico? Can I be forced to pay for something I didn't get? Can I sue and get my down payment back? Do a collection agency in CA have the ability to collect a debt in WA? Can they legally put this on my credit report as a collection? I have excellent credit and I don't want it ruined behind a scam. Thanks


Asked on 9/09/02, 10:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koenen Koenen & Tokunaga, P.C.

Re: How do I fight a Collections Agency in a different state who are trying to c

Yes a collection agency in CA can collect in Washington. They do need to follow the laws of both states and the Federal laws.

Unless the company in Mexico has roots of some sort in California or Washington, you would need to sue in Mexico. If they advertise extensively in either area, then you could sue locally.

You need to communicate with the collection agency regarding your claims. They cannot report a disputed claim to a credit bureau.

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Answered on 9/10/02, 12:05 pm


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