Question
10 pts! Someone used my SSN and now Palisades Collection company...?
is sending me letters about a Verizon bill that was set up in Texas. I have lived in Indiana my whole life and never lived in Texas! This is NOT my bill and they act like they don't believe me. I've filled out an ID theft affadavit and filed a police report. The collection company is telling me that I must also send a legal document showing proof of residency, showing where I lived in 9/2002. The problem is, I don't have anything. I had just graduated high school. I didn't have a job or any utilities in my name. They said if I cannot prove proof of residency, they will not close the account(even though it is fraudulent). I talked to about 5 different people there yesterday, they are so rude and nasty and will not let me talk to a supervisor. They said they will not accept a notarized letter from my mother saying I was living with her. What do I do? Thanks in advance. They've already sent me verification of the debt but it's not mine. The sent me about 10 pages of a Verizon phone bill. I think my dad's ex-girlfriend is responsible, but she's from Africa, and she may not be here any longer. They said they ran my SSN, and the Texas address comes up under my name, so it's my debt. I already got everything else off of my credit report, but they won't budge. Thanks guys, I didn't even think about asking for a copy of the signed contract. They don't even have the correct spelling of my name and they have the wrong middle initial. So should I send the police report and my info or just ask for this signed contract?
13 months ago - 5 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
FIRST: Palisades is one of the worst junk debt agencies around. To find out more about them use the following link www ... As it states on their web site, DO NOT give them your SS#. But it appears too late now. Also sending copies of a phone bill is not considered proper validation. They must include legal documentation that they own or are a hired agent to collect the debt. This must be notarized. You need to prove nothing to them. Inform them if they want to take it to court you will be more then happy to make them look like fools and in turn will be able to file suit against them under the FDCPA and also throw in harassment and mental anguish. You should have no problem finding a law firm to represent you on this one. Your school registration papers would be more then adequate to prove your residency anyways. You can use the following to file a complaint in this matter. If your cards, bills or identification have been misused to open accounts in your name, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Call toll-free 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); TDD: 202-326-2502, or visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft Hope this answer is of help to you LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The answer provided here is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor presumed to be legal counsel or professional legal advice
by Sgt Big Red
13 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Don't let them scare you. The onus is on them to prove that they have the right person... you do not have to prove that you are right. Keep fighting it by telling them you need to see proof of the contracts, bills, etc.
by Jackson- 13 months ago
Maybe your high school records or your parents have something to show proof of residence. Don't give up.
by Big Blakk- 13 months ago
Per your update, either you dad or his girlfriend did this...in which case you would have to file criminal identity theft charges against them to clear your credit...OR...pay off the debt...no easy solutions. ================================== Here is the problem: Many debt collectors buy really old debts where they can't find the original creditor, so they start harassing people with similar names/addresses and or SS#'s. The burden to prove the validity of the bill falls on THEM, NOT YOU..... Send them a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt stating: Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting written validation of this alleged debt, which includes: - a copy of the original signed contract with my signature - validation of the original "Date of Delinquency" for this alleged debt - validation of the "Date of Last Activity" for this alleged debt - validation that this alleged debt is within the statute of limitations. Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the burden to validate the debt falls on the debt collector. It is not my responsibility to validate this alleged debt for you. If your firm has the info to place this item on my credit report, then you need no further validation of my identity. Receipt of this validation request is being time stamped by the USPS. Either validate this alleged debt within the 30 day time period as allowed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or remove it from my credit files If this notation is not removed from my credit reports, I will have no choice by to take legal action per my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. I also file reports with the Attorney General of your state and the BBB. ==================== * DO NOT sign your signature on any document that you mail to a debt collector. It could end up on a forged document that can be used against you. Simply type your full name. Stay off the phone with these people...
by SlimMick- 13 months ago
You are a victum contact the FTC and get help its not a free service you pay " taxes" But they can give you direction as well as take certain action Identity Theft, Manufacturers, Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580 Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) TTY: 1-866-653-4261 This has become more serious do to the current economy I hope this helps
by Steve L- 13 months ago