Merging companies

Submitted by goodnatured on Wed, 09/09/2009 - 11:04
Forums

I am having a problem with companies merging, I had an account with cellular one, who apparently at one time merged with AT&T and Cingular, I never had an account with either of these two. Anyway, the account with Cellular one was paid in full, now I have collection agencies trying to collect under Cingular and AT&T wireless with who I have never had an account. I have my paid in full letter for the Cellular one account but of course it is a different account number. Is anyone else having this same problem?

Goodnatured, I had this happen one time when my mortgage lender sold out to another company. I had proof that I paid all my payments to date but the new company had where I did not make any. You should contact the company and see if any of the original records exist if not all the new one and ask them to send you proof that this a seperate account. You may want to enlist the help of the BBB and call the Atty general. Sounds like this is a problem that could get bigger when this new company tries to collect on others old debt.

Wed, 09/09/2009 - 17:24 Permalink
Sarah_123 (not verified)

Hi goodnatured,

This happens to thousands of people across the globe holding accounts in a company merging with another one. The first thing you should ask Cingular and AT&T is to validate your debt. Write a debt validation letter to the company asking to prove the validity of your debt with the required official documents. I believe the company will not be able to prove it since you have already paid for the existing account and you also have a letter testifying that. If the company or the CA still persists then you can send them a Cease and Desist Letter attached with a copy of your letter stating that you have paid the debt. I think this letter will be sufficient to stop them. However, if they still pursue you then you must lodge a complaint with the FTC and to the State Attorney General against their harassment.

I hope you have got the remedy to your problem.

All the Best :)
Sarah

Thu, 09/10/2009 - 07:26 Permalink

Hi goodnatured

I can understand how you must be feeling right now. All this unnecessary hassle is really uncalled for. But fortunately you have recourse through the FDCP. A debt validation letter is the most important piece of document that you should send them rightaway.

Have you checked your CR? Have they also reported the debt to the bureaus? If so, you may also need to dispute the debt. Hope you are absolutely sure about the debts. Sometime we may miss out on old debts and forget about them. Keep your paper works handy.

Thu, 09/10/2009 - 09:23 Permalink