Hmm... I need to find out myself. I don't know what is the answer. I'll do some research in Google and get back to you if I got an useful answer. You should email the people at Lending Tree as they probably could give you help..

Did they say they are representing "Platinum Financial Services" ? If so, they own "Platinum financial Services" It's the same people. Wolpoff is the president of Platinum..

I spoke to the Commisioner of Financial regulation in MD and Platinum does not have a debt collection license. They are listed as an "accounts receivables" firm. but they buy bad debts so they need a debt collection license which they don't have. you might want to work something from that angle..

You need to build a defense. Start calling and checking on this firm if they are using that above name...

I would be careful about the license "business" because some states allow CA's to operate without state CA licenses if their state reciprocates for your states CA's. Illinois is one of those states...

Kalika,.

This firm is based in MD. In MD you have to have a debt collection license. Now Wolpoff has a license but "platinum financial services" didn't have one around November. I don't know if that still stands...

The Letter states "Please be advised this law firm represents Platinum Financial Services Corporation which is the recent purchaser of your account.".

It also reads "Platinum Financial Services Assignee of Providian National Bank...

Yep... mine says the same thing. If this is your first notice, get validation asap. If they don't validate but sue instead at least you have a countersuit. How much is the debt anyway ?

I had a case with them. I never responded, they took me to court. Before court started (9 am) the paralegal took me into a mediation room at around 8:30 am. They gave me a settlement offer which I responded with "this is not my account" they said are you sure I said yes I'm sure, they said you never had an account with Citibank, I said never. I asked them to provide the Citibank application with my signature. They wrote up a request for a later court date.

3 weeks later I receive copies of 2 cancelled checks. A week after that I received a court date. I went to court and they asked the same question, my response was the same. They said they sent me proof, I said that is proof that I paid on the account not proof of ownership. They said why would you pay on an account that wasnt yours, I said I have so many bills I made a mistake.

They requested for a later court date. 30 days later I received a letter stating the case was dismissed. I disputed it on my reports it came off immediately...

The amount of the debt is 3249.00 What is the best validation letter to send? I've seen more than one. The one on this board and the one on Carreon and Associates site. Not sure which is the best validation letter to send...

Don't know, didn't use one. I waited for them to take me to court. But, I wouldn't suggest you do that. hopefully somebody else can help...

What should a good validation letter contain. Should I use the one from this board?..

Can't say sorry. Wish I could help. Since I never used one of them I don't want to stir you wrong...

Tm1b1,.

WHOA you are brave. Was the account really yours ? That's an interesting case...