Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania
Debtor Verification
I have been contacted by a collection agency regarding a credit card charge off that they say is mine. I have never had the credit card that they are referring to and I have told them this. I asked for additional information regarding this accont and they said that I needed to verify my address and social security number. I told them that I would verify the number if they gave it to me and they refused stating that they are not allowed to give me that information by law. They said that I had to verify the information. I would be happy to verify it if they gave me the number, but I refuse to release this information to them. To the best of my knowledge, I have never had a credit card with the bank they are representing, the card does not appear on my credit report either as a past due account, a charge off account or a collection item. On top of all this, the collector who called spoke very broken English and was very hard to understand. The original collector actually hung up on me (imagine that, the bill collector hanging up on the supposed creditor). I had to call back and speak to another individual. Still no luck. I would like to get this matter cleared up, but refuse to release the information they requested.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Debtor Verification
Under no condition give them any personal information. It might be a scam. I suggest you consult an attorney. Under the Federal Debt and Collection Practices Act a debt collector is obligated to provide you with verification of the debt. There is something wrong here. Be careful or your identity might be stolen. They will use the information to your great detriment.Gerald Hershenson
Re: Debtor Verification
I agree with what Atty. Hershenson said. Also, look at your credit report to see if there is actually a debt or charge off listed for the bank they say they represent. If so, contact the bank directly to get to the bottom of the matter.
If not, contact the bank to let them know about the scam.