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Tamlin
Madame Justice
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Has anyone else had problems with this credit company?
I keep getting harassed for debt I don't have, from an energy company I've never done business with before. A bunch of sites I've found on this company cry "fraud" "phishing" "identity theft" and many other allegations.
http://www.cbcsnational.com/
As Dad points out, just because they have a Website doesn't make them legitimate. Just search on CBCS and some of the sites are amazing; what people say this company has done.
I'm fortunate; through my bank I have a company that keeps an eye on my credit report and on identity theft. I've received no information that there have been negative strikes to my credit. And I have a very good credit score. I'm just concerned (as is Dad) as to "where are they getting my name?"
I said to Dad "some of these sites talk about hijacked credit reports. Is that possible."
"If you hack, yes," said Dad. Good point. There's no other reason this company would have my name other than a hacked account, and these phishing people are known for that. I have no delinquent debt (just a small rolling account with my credit card that's paid off monthly).
But this creeps me out - it's the same approach, same "company I've never heard of" that I allegedly owe money to, their asking for my address (they didn't get it) and my phone number ("you called me, you have it"), the name of my attorney ("I'll have him call you; he can give you his name"). Amazing how if you get a lawyer involved these people back right off...she said "I'll transfer you to my supervisor" and hung up. (I really do have a lawyer at my disposal if it's needed, given Dad and I are both legally connected through our work...that statement wasn't a ruse. Though I don't want to "go there," in terms of legal intervention, either!)
But this REALLY creeps me out. I'm thinking of calling the "credit watch" company anyway to make sure that these people aren't trying to attack my credit report...maybe that's too paranoid? I just don't know. This is the second call from them. Half of me just wants to know if my credit-watch people have heard of them, and if there's anything outside of legal intervention that can be done to stop the harassment. 
Thoughts, Vixens?
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3/7/2008, 10:33 am
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Cygnus X1
Celestial Cygnet
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Re: Has anyone else had problems with this credit company?
I've had a similar experience resulting from an account that was paid off and closed LONG ago, although - not from the same pseudo-company. Now, here's the really cool thing - you do NOT need an attorney to handle it - you can do this all by yourself.
What these scum artists do is purchase old debts (yes, even the paid off ones) for pennies on the dollar and try to collect on them (interesting, what you can learn when you have an attorney in the family).
Here's how to put these scumbags in their place: First, you send them a "validation of debt" letter (certified and return receipt requested) - which essentially tells them that they have 30 days to respond to your request and that they may NOT contact you in any way, shape or form within that period. In most cases - you'll never hear from them again. Following that 30 period, regardless of whether you hear from them or not - send them a cease and desist letter - again, via certified mail and return receipt requested. If they contact you after receiving that letter - each offense thereafter is a $1000 fine. After another 30 days pass ... review your credit report - if they have posted an invalid debt on there ... you have them by the balls. If either of the above takes place - contact the Federal Trade Commission, your State Attorney General's Office, the American Collector's Association to let them know what's going on AND take them to court. VERY important: keep EVERYTHING you have received from them whether it arrived through the postal system or landed in your voicemail box - if they didn't leave a message (trust me, they won't), take a photo of any suspicious phone numbers found on your caller ID - these CAN be used as evidence. Also keep copies of what you have sent them. That should clear it up hon. If you need sample form letters of what you need to send them ... just drop me an e-mail.
Hijacked credit reports?! Now, that's a new one on me. Scary.
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"There is nothing impossible to him who will try."
~Alexander The Great~
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3/8/2008, 11:16 am
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Tamlin
Madame Justice
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Re: Has anyone else had problems with this credit company?
Thank you, Cygnus! *This* would explain how they got my name and possibly my phone number, though I don't know about the latter - I don't think I have my parents' phone number on any of my old (paid off) debts...as I've said, I have no outstanding debt; it's all paid off.
Come to think of it, I *could* have had my parents' phone number on my old past energy bill debt. And...all these calls are about an energy company; the name changes but I think they're all legitimate. One I know is real (PSE&G, and I validated I had have no debt with them), and one another energy company I have no dealings with (Petco, which appears to be a real energy company from what I can see, not the pet store).
I have a feeling someone bought my old PSE&G debt. I have paper proof that was paid off. The scary thing is, the first time I spoke to this bogus company, I asked for paper proof of the debt and even gave my address, with my parents' consent. I NEVER received a letter. Yet still they call.
Basically, I have nothing paper from them. I wouldn't even know how to contact them! Though I did find their Website; I'm not sure if they're a legit company...would it be worth a letter? I'm not even sure what I'd say to them; if they call again I *might* ask for your input on letter writing, Cygnus. Last time I told them that I do have an attorney (true), and if this is a scam I could cause quite a bit of trouble for them. I'm not sure if that will keep them away, but I'd make good on that if they continue the harassment, either writing the letter myself or using an attorney if I have to. I have no tolerance for "phishing."
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3/11/2008, 12:30 pm
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Tamlin
Madame Justice
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Re: Has anyone else had problems with this credit company?
Oh..how DO they get their hands on these debts anyway? I know you said "pennies on the dollar" but I'm still not clear.
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3/11/2008, 12:54 pm
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Cygnus X1
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Re: Has anyone else had problems with this credit company?
Hey Tam ... check your inbox!
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~Alexander The Great~
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3/12/2008, 11:10 am
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Cygnus X1
Celestial Cygnet
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Re: Has anyone else had problems with this credit company?
You're quite welcome hon 
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"There is nothing impossible to him who will try."
~Alexander The Great~
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3/12/2008, 1:32 pm
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Thank you, Cyg. 
