AFNI Claiming I owe $1044 for an account that I never opened in May 07 I've been in Iraq since Aug 06 Bloomington Illinois

FIRST - Read the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act at ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpa/fdcpact.htm.

SECOND - send a certified letter, return receipt requested, to the DEBT COLLECTOR to dispute the debt and request written validation of the debt or any copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such validation or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor. Also, include a statement stating that you do not wish to be contacted again until you receive all the written debt validation information you have requested. In your case you want to clearly state that this is NOT YOUR DEBT and you should specifically ask for the following documentation:

What the money you say I owe is for;
Explain and show me how you calculated what you say I owe;
Provide me with copies of any papers that show I agreed to pay what you say I owe;
Provide a verification or copy of any judgment if applicable;
Identify the original creditor;
Prove the Statute of Limitations has not expired on this account;
Show me that you are licensed to collect in my state;
Provide me with your license numbers and Registered Agent.

THIRD - Once you received the written validation information requested, contact the CREDITOR (who owns the debt) via certified mail to resolve the matter.

It is important that communication between you and this debt collector be in WRITING! So, I wouldn't not talk to them, EXCEPT to obtain an address for sending a certified, return receipt requested letter to dispute and demand validation of this alleged debt.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR OUR ARMED FORCES OVERSEAS: Should this debt actually be yours or if they file a civil suit against you, you need to invoke your rights under The Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act to prevent the case from being HEARD until such time as you return to the United States. You can obtain more information about this Act and the protections it provides you by contacting your installation JAG office.

Also, when I was in the USAF, I voluntarily counseled folks with credit issues (heavy debt, bogus marks on their credit reports, debt collectors, etc.) Your installation finance office may provide couselling/assistance or refer you to someone who will assist you in writing letters to help clear the matter up.

Good luck and don't let this debt collector issue get you down or distract you. These things can and do get fixed when handled properly!

Please let us know how you make out. My thoughts and best wishes are with you during these difficult times.

Former MSgt.