I'm angry. I'm frustrated. I'm REALLY pissed off! (Sorry)

[WillParkinson]

A few weeks ago I received a collections letter from a company. I called them and explained to them that I had not lived at the address that they were trying to collect from. It turns out that someone used my Social Security number to get phone service at this place. I was very pleasant about it (for the most part). They told me to send something proving that I was not living at that place so we sent our home equity information from that year.

Today in the mail I get ANOTHER collections leter. This time the amount has nearly doubled! I tried to call them but they are closed. I left a very ...um... unhappy message saying that I had sent the information they wanted and I wanted this cleared up IMMEDIATELY!

I doubt this day could suck much worse.

[IronLionZion]

1. sorry to hear that

try contacting a law enforcement agency or your lawyer.

[Mikimouse]

2. The best thing to do is contact the FTC...

I had to do exactly the same thing a few years ago. A letter went out from the FTC and I got a copy. The BS stopped right there, under trehat of a substantial fine.

[bratcatinok]

3. Don't work with

the collection agency. Work with the original creditor. Contact the original creditor and tell them you're disputing the account. Explain why you're disputing and get their address to send your documentation to. They should immediately contact the collection agency to pull the account from the agency.

Once the original creditor received your documentation they should resolve the issue to your satisfaction. Make sure it hasn't been reported to the three credit reporting agencies and if it has make sure the original creditor corrects the report.

[Liberal Christian]

4. Also, get a copy of your credit report

Get a copy of your credit report from the three reporting agencies to make sure that whoever used your SS# didn't open up any other credit accounts in your name and use them.

[Catshrink]

5. If you have suspicions of identity theft....

I think you can add that to your credit report. I read something about that once -- it's a fraud alert.

Here is a link to the FTC's site with info about what to do.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm

You need to do something about this.... don't sit on it!

PS -- cute cute photos of Dot on another threat. The first photo of that little kitty melted my heart.

[WillParkinson]

7. Double Thanks!

Dot appreciates the accolades.

I appreciate this:

The debt collector is responsible for sending you proof that you’re wrong. For example, if the debt in dispute originates from a credit card you never applied for, ask for the actual application containing the applicant’s signature.You can then prove that it’s not your signature on the application. In many cases, the debt collector will not send you any proof, but will instead return the debt to the creditor.

[cosmicdot]

6. this site is primarily about Macy's/Federated/Plaza Associates

but, it might have some helpful 'experience' suggestions

http://www.corporatesuperhero.com/csh/stories.nsf/IDList/INTT-5ADQ27

[WillParkinson]

8. AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!

I tried to contact SBC about this and I'm being told that the account was sold to CFC Financial and that they cannot help me. The only thing that they did was to tell me that my SS number is not currently being used by anyone else.

I have a headache. I am SO angry.

And yet, I'm on the phone right now calling them back to apologize because I gave the woman SERIOUS attitude. Being in the customer service field I know she can only do so much.