Uhoh

[Anonymous]

I got a letter today connected to an old HSN purchase apparently.  I think it's from an '05 purchase but not quite sure.  Anyways, it reads as follows:

***Urgent Matter - HSN Account:  Attorny Action Notification***

Sent via first class mail; certified US Mail, return receipt requested

Affadavit of mailing recorded this date: March 5, 2008

(NAME), you have ignored all prior communications from this office.  Therefore, your HSN account is being assigned to our attorney in your area unless payment is received or an acceptable payment plan is entered into.  Should our attorney file a civil action lawsuit on behalf of our client all fees, interest, and other chargers permitted by Texas state law will be demanded in addition to your current balance of $230.72.

It is in your interest to halt these procedures and clear this matter without further delay.  Contact our security department at 1-866-905-8667.  Credit cards and check by phone are accepted for payment.

This has been sent from a debt collector and is an attempt to collect a debt.

All information obtained may be used for that purpose.

Then it lists an address and a tear off slip to send with a check. 

My questions/issues:

1. I've never been contacted before so would I DV?
2. This wasn't done CMRRR it was just stuck in my mailbox - so what's the deal with all that stuff on top?
3. They have no date to reply by or break down of the amount owed so again, would I DV?

And the address listed on it is for CPS Security not for HSN so I'm assuming the debt was sold to them, there's nothing about this on my CR's as of yet.

Thanks in advance (again),
Ja' Net

[Anonymous]

Send a DV (have it in Monday's mail CMRRR) -  can you pay if necessary to avoid a lawsuit?

[Anonymous]

I'll type up the DV tonight, I can't really afford to pay it, but if I have to, I have to. 

The lack of date and the CMRRR (even though it wasn't CMRRR) seemed odd to me though - like they're bluffing basically - but I'll definitely get the DV in the mail asap

Thank ya Lady

[Anonymous]

I've just drafted up the DV (the long version - detailing what's to be sent back etc).  Now this currently isn't showing on my credit reports, so is it wise to remove any portion of the DV that mentions CRA's so that I won't implant the idea of reporting it in their heads? 

Also no account number was given on the letter they sent me, should I include a copy of the letter in the DV, or would that be too much like doing their job for them?  They'll have my name and address in the DV letter which is the same as the address they mailed it to, so is that good enough?

[Anonymous]

In the DV where it references account #

substitute

Per your correspondence (copy enclosed)

Don't take anything out of the DV - it IS a notice also.And since they are threatening legal action the Lonnster DV is the appropriate one (it's what they would be required to provide if they pursue legal action) - that in itself (that you know what to ask for) may stop them in their tracks.

CA lawyers don't xcpect consumers to be smart, and they really don't expect a court battle when they are tryinng for a default judgment.  BTW, they can't actually sue (this was not a court summons) until they validate.

[Anonymous]

Thank you again Lady, that's the DV I've been using, I like it a lot more than the shortened ones that I've seen, I'll make a copy of the letter they sent me and send it with the DV cmrrr tomorrow.