Help! Contacted by OC at work - Gold American Express!

[vonniegirl]

Hi guys, yes I am still among the living.

I was contacted yesterday by American Express regarding an outstanding balance of 429.00 :( .

I informed the person not to call my place of employment and I would call them back at a more convenient time...no problem.

Once I begin to listen, I found out that this debt began in 1994, I was unable to get her to tell me the date of the last activity on the account. But I think the SOL may be up :notsure: .

Anyway she informed me that I could do a direct check by phone for the full amount and American Express would forward a zero account letter paid in full in case I want to purchase something on credit before they had the opportunity to remove the account from a negative status.

My question, how do you find out when the date of last activity was on your credit report? Let me add that American Express is not listed on my Experiean CRA. I guess I should find out if they are liseted on Equifax and Trans Union :notsure:

In addition I have a company that charged merchandise on my credit card just becuase it was in the system :mad: . I don't know what to do in this situation...should I demand a settlement, I know it's not a violation even though I feel violated :mad:

Where to go, What to do? All help is appreciated. Thanks :blush:


[Edit by vonniegirl on Tuesday, 12, 2002 @ 10:33 AM]

[LadynRed]

If Experian doesn't show the account, then, since the 7 years would be up this year, its possible it has already dropped off your CR. If the other 2 don't have it either, then it certainly HAS dropped off and it most certainly IS beyond the SOL.

I don't know how or why Amex would be calling you themselves after all this time. They are required to charge-off after 180 days of non-payment just like all the rest !! Could still be a CA, but even if it IS Amex, its past the SOL in all states except RI.

[admin]

Lady is right, make sure that they are really AMEX and not a CA.

[Anonymous]

<blockquote>Originally posted by vonniegirl

In addition I have a company that charged merchandise on my credit card just becuase it was in the system :mad: . I don't know what to do in this situation...should I demand a settlement, I know it's not a violation even though I feel violated :mad:

Where to go, What to do? All help is appreciated. Thanks :blush:


[Edit by vonniegirl on Tuesday, 12, 2002 @ 10:33 AM]
</blockquote>

Your other question sounds like it may fall under the Fair Credit Billing Act. I recall it has a fairly short window of action (notify credit card company within 60 days of receipt of statement with bad charge).

The url: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcb.htm

I have successfully used this Act several times. Most recent was a dispute of a hotel that had billed an extra day in error.

[admin]

Bull, good tip!

[vonniegirl]

Thanks Lady, Admin and Bull,

I too was surprised to hear from them after all these years. I was told by the rep that the CA was no longer involved and that it was kicked back to them in 12/00.

As far as the company charging on my account withou prior authorization, I contacted them and after profuse apologies, they will reverse the charges off my card. I kind of though it wasn't up for $1000.00 violation settlement. However, a word to the wise...check your accounts often for unauthorized purchases :) .

Thanks again, I will check the other two credit reporting agencies for American Express. If it is not on there is there a letter I need to send regarding the SOL? :notsure: What's up with Trans Union? They still cannot verify me so that I can receive my report on line :( . should I call and order via snail mail? :)

[admin]

See if you can get a free report out of them via snail mail:

http://www.creditinfocenter.com/creditreports/credtrpt.shtml#Can%20I%20get%20a%20free%20copy