Need advice on dealing with a collection law office

[am0108]

I have been receiving calls from the law office of Trauner, Cohen, and Thomas regarding a debt. The representative, Mrs. Sinclair, asked me to call back at a 1-800 number to resolve an issue that on her desk before they take legal action against. However, I prefer not to speak with the office over the phone and when I did I call I was not able to get through. I have search online and it seems like they are incredibly difficult to work with.

Should I fax or mail a letter requesting that if they need to contact me to do so by mail? I have not received any letters from them and am afraid that hey will sue to garish my wages or bank accounts.

[Anonymous]

I would send DV right away. Do you have any clue what this debt could be regarding?

Normally, you want to check SOL before DV'ing, because you don't want to wake a sleeping dog, however it seems they are already awake.

Before they can garnish your wages or bank accounts they must win a judgment against you.(I am pretty sure)

If you DV them, they MUST cease all collection activities until they validate. Filing suit is a collection activity.

[Anonymous]

I always believe in DVing in these situations, because it lets the people you're dealing with know that you are hip to how the system works. If they know they can't baffle you with BS, then they're more apt to bring a fair offer to the table.

[Anonymous]

am0108,  send the DV  CMRRR      you want them to sign for the letter...it also gives you a date to start counting from!!!     Do  NOT sign anything going to a CA!!

[am0108]

When I send the DV letter, how long before they are able to seek a judgment against me to garnish my bank account or wages?

[Anonymous]

They must cease all collection actitivities until they validate. Filing in court is collection activity.

Until they validate, they can not file in court.

[Anonymous]

They can still file for a judgment  BUT   if you had a lawyer he would ask for discovery & almost all of the info. in the DV letter they would have to answer.

Usually, they have 30 days to answer a DV. But an attorney can file before the 30 days.

IF they do file be sure to answer the summons!  By the time you would have to appear in court  their 30 days will be up.  Then you can show in court that you requested this info. and they didn't answer.

[kiki2]

Do you know what account they are calling you about? 

Have you checked your state SOL?

If the debt is no longer within the SOL you should send an SOL letter as well as the DV.  This will put them on notice that you know your rights and that they would be in violation if they tried to sue.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

I had a collection from a cell phone service from 8 years ago. I got one letter and a call at work. He wanted my ssn, full name, phone and address. I would not give him anything and he got p***y with me and tried to tell me that by not cooperating I was verifying the debt as mine. I laughed at him (could not help it) and told him not to call me at work again. Have not heard from them again.