[nminatsu]

I was contacted the Law Office of Curtis O Barnes Friday since they have been harassing my parents about a debt I owe. After having an absolutely horrible 35 minute conversation with them about how I can pay back 1200 dollars, they bullied me into telling them my checking account information. Stupid mistake, I know.

They threatened me with garnishments and courts costs, etc. etc. They would NOT allow me to make payments and told me I had either 1 day to pay amount in full, or I could give them a post dated check.

Afterwards, I found out what my rights are and plan on sending them a certified letter revoking permission to take out any amount EVER on my checking account. Demanding a cease contact with me or any other third parties, and also not allowing them to contact me at my job. Also, a verification of the debt as I don't recall ever getting a letter from them.

I just don't know if this will stop them from taking money out of my account. Does anyone know if this is a valid way to go about this?


*EDIT* I would also like to add that I am meeting with a debt counselor about this and more on Aug 17th. Hopefully she will be able to help get this all in order. I find that this debt collector violated several guidelines put forth by the FDCPA and would like to do what I can to get them to leave me alone.

[Lowtax4eva]

If you know the amount they intend to take out and when call your bank and put a stop payment on it. I would also ask about changing account number cause you think you gave your account info to a fraud collection agency.

As for the debt itself, you already agreed that the debt is yours so you can't stop the whole process and demand a verification. Send a registered letter informing them you will pay in installments and not to contact you by phone etc. How long has the collection agency had the debt?

[nminatsu]

If you know the ammount they intend to take out and when call your bank and put a stop payment on it. I would also ask about changing account number cause you think you gave your account info to a fraud collection agency.

As for the debt itself, you already agreed that the debt is yours so you can't stop the whole process and demand a verification. Send a registered letter informing them you will pay in installments and not to contact you by phone etc. How long has the collection agency had the debt?

Well I just got off the phone with the bank and I have to find out if the transaction is being done in the form of a check, or electronically. I can block it both ways but it will be 32.00 each way, and I just don't have that.

I couldn't even tell you how long the collection agency has had it. My dad and stepmom told me they were calling, so I called them back Friday. The account was opened a year ago.

I just don't think they'll tell me how the transaction is going to take place. I asked them to cancel the check, but I just get this feeling they don't care at all.

[Lowtax4eva]

Why not do option 2, have the account number changed. Or just call the bank and explain what happened. Tell the bank your not even sure if it was a real collection agency and now your worried they'll just drain the account. They should suggest something.

[nminatsu]

If that happens, won't I be liable for authorizing a payment on an account I closed?

I just called the creditor and they said that the transaction is cancelled and they're prepping my account for lawsuit. They said the next thing you'll be getting is a 1013. I said "what does that mean?" the man says, "get a lawyer. good luck."

But they REFUSED to let me make payments. Downright REFUSED. So I don't understand how they can get away with doing that already. I'm afraid it'll be too late for a debt counselor now.

[Lowtax4eva]

I think a debt counsellor can still help, I would look one up. It's odd that they won't take payments, I googled 1013 and it came up with nothing relating to legal documents, does anyone else have any input on this?

[nminatsu]

I'm due to meet with a debt counselor aug 17. I'm just so scared that it'll be too late by then for this particular debt. I'm really freaking out.

And I don't know if they're saying that to scare me, or if they really mean that I'll be sued in the next day or so.

[Lowtax4eva]

I'm sure it would take several days for them to draw up papers for that. Have they sent you anything in writing, collection letter, if so how many and since when?

[nminatsu]

No, I've never received anything in writing. So I have a letter for a cease contact, and I also have a letter for verification of debt, just to buy time I guess... I don't know... and then a letter to revoke authorization of debiting any funds. (I just spoke to a loan officer and they advised to do the same) so... I guess now all I have to do is hope that someone will consolidate my loans for me. This is such a nightmare.