Q.
We got a notice from a collection agency for a debt from years ago. How do we know it's not a scam?
A.
The new breed of thief uses your credit history to send you bogus bills from former accounts. If you get a weird bill, contact the collection agency in writing and ask to see documentation of your debt. (Mention the "fair Debt Collection Practices Act" in the letter.) The Company that transferred your account to them will have passed on the corresponding proof. The Collection agency has 30 days to respond, and if they don't they can't bug you anymore.
-- The Nest Editors
Feb 24, 2011
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