Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New Jersey

mistaken identitiy

I've recently been contacted by a collection agency about a debt that does not belong to me. It was for a bad check passed by a woman with the same name at a grocery store in another state in 2005. (I live over 2000 miles away) I've never passed a bad check in my life! I have a perfect credit score and have never been in collections for anything. I lived in the state that the check was passed in in the mid 1990's but moved in 1999 and have not been back since. I cannot get the collection agency to believe me or to leave me alone. I told them to go back to the bank that the check was written from to get the person's ss# and they refuse, insisting it's me. I have refused to give them my SS# as I don't have any business dealings with them and don't want to give them anymore info than I need to.

Please tell me what I can do to get rid of them. I've pulled all of my credit reports which show that I'm not a dead beat and pay all of my bills in full and on time. I can see where they have made an inquiry on me as well. Help!! I've heard all of the horror stories about these collection agencies and what they will do. Thanks!


Asked on 5/09/09, 12:00 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jef Henninger, Esq Law Offices of Jef Henninger, Esq.

Re: mistaken identitiy

I am an identity theft assistance attorney and I'd be happy to help you. Call me at 732/247/3340 to discuss your case.

Read more
Answered on 5/09/09, 1:51 pm
Glen Chulsky Law Office of Glen H. Chulsky

Re: mistaken identitiy

This is a type of matter that I handle on a regular basis. Simply put, there are 2 federal laws that have been potentially violated by this agency: the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Each of these laws allows you to sue the agency for damages and the best part is that each law provide that the agency also must pay your attorney his/her fees and costs. Feel free to contact me for more info or go to my website or FTC.gov for more info about the FDCPA and FCRA.

Read more
Answered on 5/09/09, 4:03 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in New Jersey