Asking for my SSN to "verify" the debt
Complaint
Mary
Country: United States
These people have called me over and over saying I owe some credit card "providia" or something like that. I told them it is not my debt and to quit calling my number. They asked ME to verify that it wasn't me by providing my social security number! I told them NO! I asked for the number of the person they SAY is me by giving me the LAST 4 digits of the social security number they had. They told me they couldn't do that! REALLY?? Why does any other debt collector do that? I had one call earlier today by verifying to me the last 4 digits of the SSN # THEY had and it was NOT the last 4 of mine. They told me they would take me off the list!
Comments
Providian had many sub-prime customers, and also got caught in predatory practices like signing up customers for "credit protection" without authorization. Ex-employees reported their payment processing center sometimes shredded checks to increase late fee revenue.
Beware of Mary Jane Elliot, as there are a number of consumer complaints of obtaining default judgements without being served a summons.
Although this is not your debt, if you receive a summons, contact a consumer attorney immediately. If you are sued, you want to respond and challenge the erroneous claim. In addition, if you find they obtain a default judgement, perhaps garnishing your bank account over this debt you don't owe, also immediately contact an attorney, as you can get the judgement vacated if they failed to serve you.
You might also be able to sue them for violations of FDCPA, and there are attorneys who take these cases on contingency since FDCPA allows courts to award damages and attorney fees. if you win.
You might try www.naca.net to find a consumer iattorney in your state.