RPM trying to collect a fake debt
Complaint
JP
Country: United States
On 4 Apr 08 I got a call from Receivables Performance Management (RPM) claiming that I owe $85 on a Verizon account from 2000. I know that I’ve never had a Verizon account, and that my phone account from 2000 (I forget which company) was paid properly. So I told the RPM rep that they were full of s**t, and that I wanted written proof that this debt is actually mine. They had the last 4 of my SSN and tried to pass that off as “proof” that their info was legitimate. I still didn’t fall for it and asked for everything in writing.
Fortunately I have records that go back that far. I also called Verizon to confirm that they don’t have any account information with my name on it. Surprisingly they have no record of me ever having an account with them. I then went online to find out if RPM is some sort of scam. They are a “legitimate” company, yet seem to be practicing what I would describe as predatory debt collection, or legal extortion. Unfortunately, there is not much information on the internet yet about RPM. However, there is a lot of information about AFNI, who seem to be doing the same thing.
So, after I found this web page, and read all of the information about AFNI, I downloaded the FDCPA and FCRA and read them. I’m sending RPM a letter in accordance with the FDCPA. I’m also sending the letter to my state’s AG and the WA state AG. (RPM is located in Bothell WA.) I also checked all of my credit reports to make sure that nothing has been placed on them. I’ll continue to monitor my credit reports very closely for the next few months. As this develops I’ll update this comment.
I’m considering contacting a lawyer to see if what RPM is doing is in any way actually extortion. It’s a crime that the max penalty under FDCPA and FCRA is only $1000 or actual damages. Obviously that small amount isn’t enough of an incentive to keep these companies from violating the law. I’m also going to contact my Congressmen about this. Maybe if enough of us complain the law can get changed?
Oh, and a huge thanks to the poster on this site TJ! His information and advice was invaluable!!
Fortunately I have records that go back that far. I also called Verizon to confirm that they don’t have any account information with my name on it. Surprisingly they have no record of me ever having an account with them. I then went online to find out if RPM is some sort of scam. They are a “legitimate” company, yet seem to be practicing what I would describe as predatory debt collection, or legal extortion. Unfortunately, there is not much information on the internet yet about RPM. However, there is a lot of information about AFNI, who seem to be doing the same thing.
So, after I found this web page, and read all of the information about AFNI, I downloaded the FDCPA and FCRA and read them. I’m sending RPM a letter in accordance with the FDCPA. I’m also sending the letter to my state’s AG and the WA state AG. (RPM is located in Bothell WA.) I also checked all of my credit reports to make sure that nothing has been placed on them. I’ll continue to monitor my credit reports very closely for the next few months. As this develops I’ll update this comment.
I’m considering contacting a lawyer to see if what RPM is doing is in any way actually extortion. It’s a crime that the max penalty under FDCPA and FCRA is only $1000 or actual damages. Obviously that small amount isn’t enough of an incentive to keep these companies from violating the law. I’m also going to contact my Congressmen about this. Maybe if enough of us complain the law can get changed?
Oh, and a huge thanks to the poster on this site TJ! His information and advice was invaluable!!
Comments
These guys are just idiots.
They deserve a reward for stupidity.
Keep in mind you can sue both the collection agency, AND the individual debt collector, and collect from both, at least if you can still find the individual.
found myself hopelessly in debt a few years ago, a result of the collapse of the housing industry. My first encounter with a debt collector was humiliating, because for the first time in my life, I couldn't pay my debts. I tried to reason with this young lad, but the more sincere and apologetic I sounded, the harsher his tone became. He responded with all of the standard requests/threats. I decided to end the call and cease all further talks with ANY debt collectors.
Since my home had been foreclosed upon I relocated to another part of the country, where I owned another home, this one free and clear. It was covered by the Homestead Act so I knew it couldn't be taken. Then I lay low for a couple of years, upon which time the calls began coming in from the collectors - calls I screened on my answering machine and otherwise ignored. Finally one of the collectors (henceforth to be referred to as the “Collector”), found my address and began sending me demand letters. I sent them a 50 dollar money order for 3 months - using that form of payment so that they couldn't find my banking info - and was noncompliant to their requests for me to fill out an information sheet. About a month later I was served with court papers. I knew I couldn't ignore these, so I decided it was time to contact a bankruptcy attorney. He immediately filed the bankruptcy - which put all collectors on hold pending resolution of the case - all collectors with the exception of the one who had served me with court papers. I decided to play a little game with them – make them spend a little more of their own money.
So they took me to court, little knowing I had already begun bankruptcy proceedings. I appeared in court on the day appointed, wearing my most humble attire, and told the judge I did not dispute the debt, but that I had sent them 3 payments and they still sued me. I didn't tell him I had filed for bankruptcy, because I wanted to string the Collector along as long as I could. He continued the case for 3 months and told us both to get together and come up with a solution. I ignored the Collector until the next court appearance, at which point I sprung the big surprise that I had filed for bankruptcy. The judge continued the case for 6 months.
And, to add icing on the cake for me, in spite of being blindsided by the bankruptcy, the Collector's wet behind the ears lady attorney still tried to have a conference with me in the hallway. I agreed to speak with her – mainly to satisfy my own curiosity. This pathetic excuse came running out into the lobby, thanked me for agreeing to talk with her, and began dialing her cell phone – one can only speculate that she was calling the Collector for instructions. I decided to end her pain and walked away.
The following month the bankruptcy went through and I told the Collector I hope he was enjoying his sh*it sandwich. All in all it was an enjoyable adventure for me.
Keep those calls coming, RPM - I love 'em!
Your insurer can force the hospital to retrieve the account, cancel out any unowed amount, and remove erroneous credit reporting.
kenjranger@icloud.com