Debt Collectors Demanding Money For Stolen Checks

[SicOfThieves]

Back in 1999, someone stole my check book and my medications. They wrote checks on my account and I had to file a police report and go to my bank and close the account. The bank would not let me close the account at that time; all they would do was make me sign an affidavit stating my checks were stolen and that I had reported it to the police. I got another checking account at another bank.They finally closed the account and i was left thinking all had been solved as I received no word from the bank and all the police said was it would be investigated and I would be informed as to the outcome of the investigation. I never heard from either the bank nor the police. Two years ago, I checked my credit report only to find that the bank had been sold and a collections agency had some $136.00 on my credit report for late fees on the checks that were stolen! I called the number of the collection agency on the report to explain to them what had happend. They were rude and refused to call me by my married name and made fun of my maiden name-the name they knew me by. (Very unprofessional) They told me they would be on me like stink on shit and hound me everyday until I paid them. I hung up at that point. I changed my phone number and had it unlisted. NOW today, someone from a collection agency has called and expecting me to call them back. I know it is about this situation. Has the Statute of limitations run out on this? I'm in Tennessee and I did read that most debt collections is only good for 6 years. Does this apply to me? How do I fix this without being treated like a dog by some stranger on the phone?

[LawResearcherMissy]

Do you have a copy of the affidavit you signed?

Send the agency a copy of that and the police report and dispute the debt.

If the collector threatens or harasses you, be certain to make a note of his/her name, and mention that harassment is prohibited under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and can get them sued and fined. That often shuts them right up.