What is my recourse if I am threatened by a collection agency?

My father and I share a name (I am a "Jr."). In the last few years, my father has incurred a lot of debt, which has gone to collections agencies. Since then, my wife and I have been harrassed by collectors insisting I am him; my credit has been damaged, and I was threatened with arrest. I am getting ready to deploy (back) to Iraq with my reserve unit. This could not have come at a worse time, and every time I turn around there is another bill collector calling us. Today a collector told my wife that "the local sheriff will come and lock your husband up" if we do not pay one of my father's bills. I have worked very hard to keep my own finances straight, and was finally debt free except for my mortgage, but when we bought a new house, we ended up with $500.00 a month in PMI because of my dad's bad credit showing up under my name. Many of these debt collectors are using my SSN and DOB when they call, even though many of these accounts are decades old. What can I do?

If you can prove to the credit agencies that they report to that it could not possibly be your debt by means such as you were under 18 at the time of the charges, or prove that you father resided at that address then and you had another permanant address, and so forth they will remove the items from your credit rating. It can take time so be patient. Just go to the websites for experian and such and you can get instructions for correcting these types of mistakes.

Collectors cannot have you put in jail and cannot use such a threat in collecting a debt. I would record the phone calls to be used against them later. Notify the collectors in writing to stop calling you and work through the credit bureaus to get and keep your credit straight. These guys find enjoyment in getting under your skin and will not stop until you show them that you know your rights. A free site I found when I was going through credit problems is creditboards dot com. Good Luck!

OK here is what you need to do.. These companies are scum!! They are breaking Federal Law when they do this. Next time one of them calls u just need to tell them to provide you proof in wirting that these are your debts and if they can not do that then they need to leave you alone and if they continue to call tell them that you have always wanted to own a debt collection agency ! That you are going to sue them into oblivion!! These people are bullies and will lie cheat and extort money anyway they can. They routinuely pester peoplke that they know do not owe them money in hopes that they will pay the debt. They are liers and SCUM!! I highly that you talk to their bosses boss next time they call and demand that they sese and desist or you are gonna own then!

Firstly, consult with an attorney and they'll be able to help you fully. I had a debt collection agency saying the same things and I found out that it's all a lie they can't come and arrest you for a debt even if it was yours. I was even told that using a credit card and not paying was like "shop lifting". Can you believe that. It's called "harrassment" what they are doing. Whent hey call tell them to "cease and decease" all contact and if they call again you will press charges. Also, call their bluff. They say the sheriff will come get you tell them to send him over right now that you are waiting. Also, in the meantime, call your telephone company and tell them to change your telephone number and keep it private and unlisted.

good luck

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