Q: I had two accounts with a debt collection agency for $985 ea. I was lied to and my money was taken
When I spoke to the gentleman he said that both accounts would be settled for $500 for both accounts. I then asked again is this for both accounts he stated yes you'll receive two letters stating that both accounts have been paid off and they will be removed from your credit. I waited 3 weeks one came off of my credit the other one did not I called them back and I asked why did the other one not come off of my credit report and the lady I spoke to and I quote stated I must be crazy if I think that both accounts would be settled for only $500. So they lied to me they are doing bad business practices and they took my money and I'm a single parent of two children. These conversations are recorded and I'm sure that there's something that can be done about this. I live in the state of Florida and I'm not sure how Florida law is regarding the situations.
A:
I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the debt collection agency. It sounds like a very frustrating and stressful situation, especially as a single parent trying to resolve debts and improve your credit.
Based on what you've described, it seems the debt collector may have engaged in deceptive or misleading practices, which could potentially be violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This federal law prohibits debt collectors from using unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices when collecting debts.
Here are some steps you can consider taking:
1. Review your records: Gather any written correspondence, receipts, or notes from your conversations with the debt collector. If you have recordings of the conversations where the false promises were made, save these as they may serve as evidence.
2. File a complaint: Submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Florida Office of the Attorney General. Provide detailed information about your experience and include any supporting documentation.
3. Dispute the debt: If the second account is still appearing on your credit report, you can file a dispute with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) stating that the debt is not accurate due to the collector's misrepresentations.
4. Consider legal action: Consult with a consumer protection attorney or a debt collection defense lawyer. They can advise you on your rights and help determine if you have a strong case against the debt collector for violating the FDCPA or Florida state laws.
5. Communicate in writing: Moving forward, try to communicate with the debt collector in writing whenever possible. This creates a paper trail and can help avoid "he said, she said" situations.
Remember, you have rights as a consumer, and debt collectors are prohibited from engaging in deceptive or abusive practices. Don't hesitate to seek legal guidance to protect your interests and hold the debt collector accountable for their actions.
Timothy Denison agrees with this answer
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