Collection question. Can I dispute?

[Anonymous]

I didn't, I just put a stamp and sent it, oops. I'll see what happens next week because I have 30 days to dispute it, according to them.

[Anonymous]

Yes, that 30 day window is what's allowed under FDCPA for you to DV them. Sending it CMRRR proves you did that within the 30 day window. After that they can legally refuse to do anything but try and collect.

[Anonymous]

I'll have to send another letter with CMRRR because they just called me again right now. They are more aggressive and rude. They guy kept interrupting me. I told him that I sent a DV letter to them on Monday and he told me that Cingular had already sent me 3 notices back in January before they "cut off my services". What?!?!? I never received a any past due bills or notices from Cingular and they have NEVER cut off my phone service!!! I was going to tell him that when he interrupted me again and told me he was going to put a note saying that I have no intent to pay then told me to have a good day.

I guess I'll have to get more aggressive now and get the AZ attorney general, public service commissioner (can they do anything?), FTC, BBB, and Rip Off Report involved.

PS: I was reading some complaints against Cingular on planetfeedback.com I think. Anyways, there was two other people that started receiving phone calls from CAs regarding past due bills, bills they were never aware they owed. I guess I'm not alone in this battle.

[Anonymous]

A DV letter alone can sometimes be enough to make 'em go away. They realize since they don't have any standing to collect, responding with lies will get them on record in violation of the law.

[Anonymous]

I sent Cingular a letter through planetfeedback.com and they didn't respond. I sent one through the BBB and I got a call within 2 days of the BBB sending it to them. Since they can't access much of the billing records from whenever they say I supposedly owe them, they are going to send a letter to the CA to remove the balance. The CA should receive it either today or tomorrow and the calls will stop. The Cingular rep to me to call her directly if they continue to call and I should be receiving a confirmation letter within 30 days.

Its a little early but I think I'm calling this a victory for me. I'm just glad the collection never made it to my credit history.

Thanks everyone for all your advice!!

[Anonymous]

awesome congrats.   And thanks for keeping us posted.   we all receive and give advice and it always is nice to see how the outcome turns out.   

[MidnightVoice]

Did someone mention Cingular?