Back From The Grave Maybe?

[masterduke]

Hello All, I have some questions concerning an alleged debt dating back over 12 years ago. I just recieved a dunning letter from a Merchants Credit Guide out of Chicago Ill. their client CFB Finanical III LLC who has purchased some defaulted account for some old Shell Oil Card. The questions; Anyone ever heard of these creeps? The name listed on the letter contains a first name and last with no middle intial or name, does that mean anything? (I do have a middle name, my deceased father of 16 years did not) They have done the usual "if you do not respond within 30 days then it is assumed that the debt is valid" crap. Wish I could send out demand letters like that and just watch the dough roll in!! Should I send them a VOD? Or challenge the name on the account first? How do I keep from falling into their "verification" of address trap if I challenge the name on this account? Of course they offer three conveinent payment plans
1) one payment off 50% of the above referenced balance in the amount of $746.97
2)Pay in three payments in 3 consecutive months(of course) for a total of $1045.75
3)Monthly payments that is affordable to me. I will pay$________
until paid in full. The payments will be recieved on the____ day of each month
How generous of them.
Any information will be thankfully accepted.

[mrg]

They seem to like to deal with ancient credit. They sent me a letter August of 2005, saying they were representing Midland Credit Management who "purchased this debt originated at Montgomery Wards."

This was over ten years old.

On August 18, I sent Merchants Credit Guide my NOTICE AND DEMAND TO CEASE AND DESIST ALL COLLECTION ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO VALIDATION OF PURPORTED DEBT

I let them know that I Cc'd the Attorney General of Illinois, and the Auditor General of Illinois.

On October 28, I got a letter from the Attorney General with a copy of a letter from Merchants to the Attny Gen'l saying they had received my letter, closed my file, and returned it to their client, and that I would not hear from them again concerning the account.

When they contacted me, Montgomery Wards had ceased to exist about 7 years prior!

Lisa Madigan
Attorney General
500 South Second Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706

William G. Holland
Auditor General
740 East Ash Street
Springfield, Illinois 62703

Cc your state Attorney General and Auditor General too.

[charlesa6]

12 years is too long, and already past the statue of Credit reporting act. Send VOD to the collection agency, and tell them to take a hike, and while you at it send inquires to CRA,what take them so long to delete this item in your record.

[masterduke]

Thank You! The curve ball for me is I don't even remember if I had this alleged card(a different life back then!) as well as the improper name. Anytime I have recieved such dunning letters in the past it was with a middle name or initial.