Good question... I dunno what is the right answer. I'll do some poking around and get back to you if I discover an good answer. You should email the people at Lending Tree as they probably could assist you..

Jlynn, that's where it gets wierd. We were sued on this in Nov 91 and the suit was dismissed in March 92, and all the while the suit was being paid on, gulf state kept sending us letters that they owned the account. I spoke with them extensively, and told them of the suit with another CA, and just assumed it was taken care of, since I mentioned my attorney, they said they couldn't talk to me anymore. Now they've transferred it to Sherman, knowing the situation, so do I send validation to Sherman, even though I havent heard anything from them?..

Nope, sorry...filed in 01 and dismissed in 02...suit was brought on by Colorado Capital. We quit paying in April 02 after suit was dismissed. Contacted by attorney in Oct 02 regarding missed payments, since suit was dismissed, I sent them a C&D requesting validation, and haven't heard a word since. That's why I can't figure all this out!! WHO has this debt?!!..

At this point, I think I would be asking the OC this, but I don't know why the suit was dismissed, and wouldn't want to mislead you down the wrong path..

I have sent out the subsequent CA letter (in your case Sherman), and sent this to the OC at the same time:.

To Busted OC.

Re: SW Credit Systems - Account No. xxxxx/SW Bell Res TX.

Risk Management Alternatives – Account No. xxxxxxxx.

To Whom It May Concern:.

On November 5, 2002, I sent a demand for validation of a debt to SW Credit Systems, who was alleging a debt owed to your company. See attached letter, and copy of Certified Mail Receipt Number 7002 0860 003 9261 xxxx. As of the date of this letter I have had no response from SW Credit Systems..

On December 12, 2002, I received a letter from Risk Management Alternatives indicating that Stupid OC had now placed this debt for collection with them. Attached is a copy of the letter I received..

Please be advised this is your formal notice that your collection agency, Risk Management Alternatives, is in violation of Federal Law – continued collection activity of an alleged debt, the collection for which must cease until proof is sent, pursuant to FDCPA 809. Validation of debts [15 USC 1692g](b)..

At this time, I will call your attention to a press release from the Federal Trade Commission:.

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION MARKETER AGREES TO SETTLE FTC CHARGES THAT IT APPROVED DECEPTIVE.

DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES.

American Family Publishers (AFP) has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated the FTC Act.

When it hired collection firms and knowingly approved or assisted their use of deceptive debt collection practices..

Under the proposed settlement agreement, AFP would be required, among other things, to instruct it's debt collectors to comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) in the future. ….

Any further communication from you, or your hired collection firms before I receive the demanded proof of this alleged debt, and I will instruct my attorney to begin drafting a formal complaint..

Regards,.

Mr. jlynn.

Encls..

I am still working this right now. RMA is quiet, except they sent me a phone bill from Busted OC. I have since followed up with copies of cancelled checks (to OC ONLY!), and a letter to RMA that they did not send complete validation. So far, nothing is on my credit reports...

Jlynn, suit was dismissed due to lack of prosecution. As I said, gulf state was sending us bills the whole time we were involved in the lawsuit with CC stating they owned the account...

PSP, take a look at Delilah's new post addressed to trout and waalien. I forgot all about Gulf States/Sherman being one in the same company!..