Two different collection agencies/ Same debt

by Pam
(Lansing, Michigan)

MICHIGAN jurisdiction. Chase Bank credit card. Law Firm sends pre-lawsuit information saying that their client is Equable Ascent Financial.

Telephone call from ARS National Services calling to say that they can offer reduction settlement amount?

What to do?

Comments for Two different collection agencies/ Same debt

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Feb 27, 2010
 duplicate collections
by: Gerrie

Thanks for submitting your debt collection question on our Q&A page.

I don't have an easy answer for you, Pam, but hopefully you can get to the bottom of this.

First, I am not sure what you mean by "presuit" notice. Are you being taken to court? Or is this just a collection notice from a debt collection law firm? As we've warned elsewhere on this site, debt collection lawsuits must follow the provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - just like any other outside collection agency.

If your first contact with the collection agency was in the last thirty days, you can request written verification of the debt. That's your right under federal law. (If you are being sued, that's another matter - please let me know asap.)

If you are not being sued, then I would recommend you send a certified letter to both agencies stating that you have been contacted by two different collection agencies for this debt, and asking them to send you written verification of the debt. If they both verify the debt, then come back here and post in the comments and we will talk next steps.

Of course, this answer is meant as educational advice, not legal advice. It may be good to get help from a consumer law attorney. Find out how to get FREE or low cost legal advice about debt collection from a consumer law attorney here.


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