Help, please reply with opinion/idea

[Computernerd22]

My girlfriend dated this guy a long time ago (1997-2002)it is an ex-boyfriend of hers anyways, I check my mail today and I find a debt collections company sent my girlfriend a bill to settle a debt of ($4,400)problem is, I have been with this woman for 8 years now and the address they have listed on the bill, is the place that we got together. The place is in her name. However, me and her picked out this place and been living here since day 1, but the debt bill has our home address with his name associated with it. Why would that be? Would a debt collections company even try to attempt to collect on a debt that is this old? If so, please let me know and post your idea of what you think is going on here. Do you think there is anything to be worried about? All help is greatly appreciated.

[morganlefay]

Just write "Not at this address" and send it back

Problem solved.

MLF

[Computernerd22]

Just write "Not at this address" and send it back

Problem solved.

MLF

Thanks

[fourdc]

After you send it back, if they persist talk to your local postmaster.

"disgruntled postal worker"
Dave

[nihil]

Hi CN22,

The question is whether the letter was addressed to her, or to this guy C/O (care of) your address.

If it was addressed to her, then the question becomes "did she sign anything to accept joint liability for, or guarantee the debt?" If she did, then that explains why they are contacting her.

Another issue is the exact date that the indebtedness occurred. If it was after you two got together, then it looks like fraud to me. As in he used her name without permission?

I only hope that it wasn't a joint account that she forgot to close or transfer liability for?

Obviously I am not familiar with the details of US commercial and financial law, so I don't know if the age of the debt is of any significance, and that may vary from state to state?

Over here the debt would have expired, as the creditor has to prove that they contacted you regarding it within the last 3 years (Statute of Limitations)............apart from our IRS who get 6 years. I don't know if you have anything similar over there?

I guess that it is not uncommon for debt collectors to indulge in phishing exercises?

I am curious as to why they think she might be responsible for the debt........is there anything in the letter regarding this?

[Mykol]

Debts fall into several categories, usually ranked by likelihood of being able to collect on them. Some debt collections companies will "buy" groups of them (well, the information of the circumstances and the right to attempt collection on them from the debtor) for various amounts with the hopes that if they cash-in on even a couple of them, they've paid for themselves. This is probably one of those "shot in the dark" letters by a company that just acquired the rights to pursue his debt. Whatever you do, don't engage in communications with them -- it'll only encourage them and make them think you know more than you're letting on. Lay low and pretend you don't speak English (just kidding). If it's in his name, then you're golden. "not at this address" and send it back. They're just fishing for leads hoping they'll get a bite, they have no clue if he's still at that address or not...

[morganlefay]

Kinda off topic....but not really

Last year I bought a backyard fireplace.....and now I burn every thing that has my name and anything else on it

MLF