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How to confirm if an alleged debt claim is correct.

NCO Financial sent me a vague document requesting payment of $6k for a debt they had purchased. I sent a letter requesting verification of debt and any legal documents pertaining to sale of such debt. I received no response, but weeks later received another request for payment. I resubmitted my request. I finally received a response advising they want to help me resolve the issue, but I need to provide them with my SSN and a copy of the original paperwork that was sent to me regarding the debt. What is the best way to respond to this request?

My initial response is to ignore it...if they can't find out why they sent me the demand for payment to begin with I shouldn't have to prove what was sent to me. Also..I would never give me SSN out, especially to someone on a fishing expedition. I considered responding in writing, but am leery to do so as the verbiage may cause problems down the line. Any suggestions?

Comments for
How to confirm if an alleged debt claim is correct.

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Sep 13, 2009
Verification of the NCO debt
by: Gerri

It sounds like you promptly requested verification of the debt, and that NCO did not provide it. The FDCPA is clear about the requirement to provide verification of the debt if the consumer requests it.

If I were you, I would talk with a consumer law attorney - it certainly wouldn't hurt, and the first consultation should be free.

What's not clear to me whether you owe the debt or not. If you do think you may owe it then you'll want to take a look at our advice in the book for negotiating a settlement that works for you. You may be able to negotiate a decent settlement, especially if NCO did not do what they were supposed to do! (Again, an attorney can help you understand your rights. You may have a case against them and the attorney can advise you there.)

If you definitely don't owe the debt, and they are still trying to collect - or they report it on your credit report - I would definitely recommend you get help from an attorney.

As for the using the wrong verbiage, I am not an attorney (and neither are you) - so I wouldn't get hung up on the wording. Truthfully and succinctly stating what happened shouldn't get you in trouble!


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