contacted by collection agency nearly 10 years after my last dealings with BMG

I just followed the instructions in the example letter and mailed it
off (certified) two weeks ago. Just got the reply today. It said that
Columbia House didn't have all of the Fair Credit information I
requested and the debt was dissolved. The reply even said my credit
report will be fixed. This actually worked. Maybe there are other
ways, but this letter actually worked- and we actually owed the money,
Columbia House just didn't have (or didn't want to bother with) the
information requested. Thanks- I might try this with other creditors
to see what happens (but I don't suggest this to others) G. Walters

Don't waste your time with BMG, or Columbia House. You will just get
the run-around. Copy and past this letter into your word processor.
Delete the brackets and the text in the brackets to match your
information. Address it to whomever sent you the bill. Do not add any
more information, do not attempt to argue your case, or state any
specifics as to your situation. Leave the letter just as it is other
than changing to your specific information. Now send the letter
certified mail - return receipt requested. When you get the green card
(proof that they received the letter) back staple it to the letter and
store it in a safe place for at least 5 years.

Here's the letter, it will stop them dead in their
tracks-immediately:

--------------------------------



[Date]


[Name of Company
Address
City, State Zip]

To Whom It May Concern:

I write regarding the debt you claim that I owe you, Account Number
[put account number here], in the amount of $[put amount here]. I do
not believe I owe this debt. As you know, Section 805 of the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act requires that you provide me with all of the
following information:

-The name and address of the original creditor
-The date of the original transaction
-The amount of the original transaction
-The date you acquired the debt
-The amount you now claim is owed
-The names, addresses, telephone numbers and social security numbers
of all parties associated with this debt
-Proof that I owe this debt
-A copy of my State and Federal rights concerning this debt, including
information on how to dispute it
-Proof that you are licensed in the State of [enter your state], as
well as providing me with your [enter your state] license number.

As you are well aware, you cannot contact me further until all the
information listed above has been provided to me in full.

Sincerely,


[enter your name]

cc: [enter name of your Secretary of State]
Attorney General
State of [enter your state]

What this person needs to do is contact the collection company
directly. Contacting BMG, especially through a third party web
site, is not the best way to handle this.

A lot of people think that debts that are seven years or older are no
longer collectable. This simply is not true. Debts drop off credit
reports after seven years however they remain collectible forever as
long as they havent been paid or charged off in a bankruptcy. It is
entirely possible this debt is 10 years old.

The collection agency likely bought the debt from BMG so BMG literally
has nothing to do with it anymore. Christopher needs to call the
collection agency and and begin a dispute process.

Christopher,
Let me tell you a true (i'm ashamed to say) story.
When I was 16, my older sister was sent a letter from
Columbia House Records. The letter was trying to get her to
re-subscribe to their record club. Well, she
no longer lived at home and I wanted those 5 records
for a penny! I signed her up got my 5 records and
spent the next 2 years sending back everyone of the
postcards they sent, that let me know a shipment would
be sent if they did not here from me. Finally I sent a letter saying
"I" moved.
Six months later my sister, who worked for a correction agency, came
for a not-so-friendly visit.
She was livid. She had seen her name on a collection letter and knew
right away that my brother or I had
been using her account.
Man, those records cost a whole lot more then I thought!
You just may find out someone has been using your old
account.
Maureen

Great letter, Christopher.

I would suggest also printing out a copy and sending it registered
mail with a return receipt so you have a record of a) your
communication and b) the fact that it was received.

Good luck to you. I hope everything is resolved in short order.

It hasn't been ten years - stop exaggerating.

Other than that, I think you have a valid complaint. Good luck.