Got debt? (Strange debt collection letters...)

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Today I received in the mail two separate debt collection letters from two separate companies sent to two separate addresses (one was forwarded from my previous address.) Both are for $640 for a debt to the U.S. Postal Service.

Now, I can't for the life of me figure out how I could have a $640 debt owed to the USPS! This is the first time I have heard of this "debt." I have been getting automated calls telling me "This is an attempt to collect a debt, please hold." Where I would just let the machine run its course... I figured it was from a disputed bill with Sprint PCS over seven years ago. But wow... $640 is a lot of stamps...

[duckman]

More than likely a scam. They just busted a "collection agency" here in Oklahoma for sending out bogus bills and trying to collect on them.

[miked]

Yeah, I had a debt collection company trying to pressure me to pay even though they had the wrong name. There was a special on 20/20 or something a few weeks ago talking about how shady the debt collection agency is and how unregulated it is. Basically they just harass people to collect any money they can, regardless if you owe it. Next time they call, just tell them that they have 30 days to inform you in writing and you are going to call the state's AG office or something. It stopped the calls for me rather quickly.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Just got off the phone with one of the companies. (Ironically I was transfered to the same guy who woke me up at 9am with a rude phone call that I hung up on.)

Strangely enough, he had my social security number and date of birth correct (he offered the info.) He said they have no information about what the debt is for, just that the original amount was over $3300 and I had paid off a large amount.

I have never had any debt to the USPS, and certainly not one that large. Never paid any debt like that either... Strange.

Now the guy wants me to write a letter of dispute and fax it to him.

[Cringer]

Did you short-change them on postage last time you mailed yourself?

[Surtt]

I would get a copy of your credit report and make sure someone else isn't using your name.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I got completely different info from the 2nd company...

They said that they are working for the US Treasury department. They said that this is for a $500 money order that I filled out, then filed as lost and then it was cashed. This supposedly happened in March 2007.

I honestly have no clue what they are talking about. I never got a postal money order for that much, and never submitted for a refund on a money order in my life.

This company said they are submitting to get a copy of the original money order, then will contact me.

[gstelmack]

I would get a copy of your credit report and make sure someone else isn't using your name.

This is a requirement. Do it now.

[duckman]

The feds will let you download and print your credit report from all three agencies for free once a year. There is a link (I can't seem to find it) that shows you how to do it. I think you can find it on this board.

[Crim]

Tell em ifn they don't get offa yer back, you'll put a bounty out on em, and that Pumpy's just itchin to collect.

[Crim]

They'd be so done.

[Mustang]

AnnualCreditReport.com

You can get 3 free per year.. (1 each from the major credit companies) Just do one every 4 months.