REALLY NEED HELP ON THIS ONE

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Ok..so today I get the post. There is a letter from my bank back at home stating that my accnt has been frozen because of a restraint placed on it for the amount of $1,143.10. Now of course I am flipping out. I am like ####### is that for??? I haven't been in America for over a year now. So I call the bank, who then tell me that I need to call this lawyer from NY, NY and speak to them about this matter and then tell me that they won't freeze my accnt. So, I call this lawyer, and I am informed that I owe for a credit card..some goodhome company??? ####### IS THAT??? First off, the only credit cards I ever had were an American Express card that was governement issued and was taken away once I left the military. Nothing owed on that one seeing as to how I got it in basic training and never even made if off the base until I was medically discharged..then another credit card which was for the BON TON and was a joint accnt when my ex and I were together. OK..that was paid off years ago and was only for 300.00 dollars. So where does that leave me?? The lawyer told me on the phone that the best thing I can do is pay it off, then fight for it back. He said that he can't believe how far back it goes. He said it goes back to when my ex and I were first married. How can that be?? HOw do I fight this?? WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY THIS WHEN I NEVER HAD A CREDIT CARD OTHER THAN THOSE TWO WHICH ARE BOTH CLOSED AND ON GOOD STANDING?>???? SOmeone please help..I am ready to have a panick attack here. I have lost my social security card like 3 times. Twice because my wallet was stolen, and the other was when I moved. So of course my number can be out there for all to see..GOD WHY??? lol.

Any suggestions or has anyone else been through this before???

LJ

[Ban Hammer 14,267]

it sounds to me like you are a victim of identity theft. as you stated you were in the military and there was a theft of a laptop with veteran's names and ssn's recently, it might be related to that. i strongly suggest you get credit reports done on yourself as quickly as possible to see what is on there.

[Veiled Princess 1]

Well I doubt it was about that if they told you it went back to the beginning of your previous marriage because that laptop was stolen recently so it would be something new.

Perhaps your ex got a credit card and didn't tell you about it back then?

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

it sounds to me like you are a victim of identity theft. as you stated you were in the military and there was a theft of a laptop with veteran's names and ssn's recently, it might be related to that. i strongly suggest you get credit reports done on yourself as quickly as possible to see what is on there.

I have never even heard of that!!! But I don't think that it was from that if it was just recently..because the lawyer told me that the credit card was taken out in my name back in January of 2005. Now, the only thing that comes to mind is this, one of the times I had my ssc stolen was when I was at the airport in Detroit waiting to come see Ian. Actually I should say it was more my fault because I left my purse at the restaurant that I was sat in when I noticed that I had to get to the gate...Anyway...that would make sense that it had to happen then. Also, the credit card that was taken out was one of the insecure ones..he tried to explain it to me but I am clueless...he said that the limit on it was only 500 dollars!!! But the interest is the killer. He said those with bad credit get those...well..I have doctor bills on my credit report from when I was married to the ex...even though we had health ins. thru my ex, the bills got put on BOTH of our credit reports..didn't know that they could do that..especially since the ins. was thru my then husband...I don't know what to do really. I don't even know how to go about getting my credit report since I am over in the UK still. THis is really frustrating.

Upon clearification after calling the lawyer again, no the credit card was NOT taken out in the beginning of my first marriage. He is going to get the record of it which he said will take 60-90 days and forward it to me. Why would it take that long????

LJ

Edited July 19, 2006 by Laura_and_IanM

[CarolineM 0]

you are entitled to a free credit report once a year. You can do it for free over the internet. I'll find the link.

bingo

Edited July 19, 2006 by karo112

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

I really cannot think straight guys..half of what this lawyer told me went in one ear and out the other...I am just flabbergasted...#######?? I just dont get it..

Ok..all these things keep popping up into my head...when I left my purse at the airport, I also had my childrens ssc...you don't think that they can do anything with those do you???? Now I am really worried..I have heard of things like that..but you never really think about them do you until it happens to you!!!! The lawyer was actually nice and tried to calm me down..but what gets me is that I am going to have to pay for this then fight for it back...and even then what are the chances of me getting it back and won't it cost me more in lawyers fees??? When do you throw your hands up in the air??? ffs...

Edited July 19, 2006 by Laura_and_IanM

[CarolineM 0]

i would be too, honestly.

That website can get you a V. detailed credit report. Every person gets one free per year and you can dop it totally on the internet...

it just asks some verification questions to make sure it's you!

[Ban Hammer 14,267]

it sounds to me like you are a victim of identity theft. as you stated you were in the military and there was a theft of a laptop with veteran's names and ssn's recently, it might be related to that. i strongly suggest you get credit reports done on yourself as quickly as possible to see what is on there.

I have never even heard of that!!! But I don't think that it was from that if it was just recently..because the lawyer told me that the credit card was taken out in my name back in January of 2005. Now, the only thing that comes to mind is this, one of the times I had my ssc stolen was when I was at the airport in Detroit waiting to come see Ian. Actually I should say it was more my fault because I left my purse at the restaurant that I was sat in when I noticed that I had to get to the gate...Anyway...that would make sense that it had to happen then. Also, the credit card that was taken out was one of the insecure ones..he tried to explain it to me but I am clueless...he said that the limit on it was only 500 dollars!!! But the interest is the killer. He said those with bad credit get those...well..I have doctor bills on my credit report from when I was married to the ex...even though we had health ins. thru my ex, the bills got put on BOTH of our credit reports..didn't know that they could do that..especially since the ins. was thru my then husband...I don't know what to do really. I don't even know how to go about getting my credit report since I am over in the UK still. THis is really frustrating.

Upon clearification after calling the lawyer again, no the credit card was NOT taken out in the beginning of my first marriage. He is going to get the record of it which he said will take 60-90 days and forward it to me. Why would it take that long????

LJ

i think you've found where it started at. and those credit cards do have a killer interest rate on them. no idea why it would take so long on getting the record for such.

get credit reports done on yourself asap, and be prepared to contact the credit agencies to put a fraud alert on your ssn.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Ok..so today I get the post. There is a letter from my bank back at home stating that my accnt has been frozen because of a restraint placed on it for the amount of $1,143.10. Now of course I am flipping out. I am like ####### is that for??? I haven't been in America for over a year now. So I call the bank, who then tell me that I need to call this lawyer from NY, NY and speak to them about this matter and then tell me that they won't freeze my accnt. So, I call this lawyer, and I am informed that I owe for a credit card..some goodhome company??? ####### IS THAT??? First off, the only credit cards I ever had were an American Express card that was governement issued and was taken away once I left the military. Nothing owed on that one seeing as to how I got it in basic training and never even made if off the base until I was medically discharged..then another credit card which was for the BON TON and was a joint accnt when my ex and I were together. OK..that was paid off years ago and was only for 300.00 dollars. So where does that leave me?? The lawyer told me on the phone that the best thing I can do is pay it off, then fight for it back. He said that he can't believe how far back it goes. He said it goes back to when my ex and I were first married. How can that be?? HOw do I fight this?? WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY THIS WHEN I NEVER HAD A CREDIT CARD OTHER THAN THOSE TWO WHICH ARE BOTH CLOSED AND ON GOOD STANDING?>???? SOmeone please help..I am ready to have a panick attack here. I have lost my social security card like 3 times. Twice because my wallet was stolen, and the other was when I moved. So of course my number can be out there for all to see..GOD WHY??? lol.

Any suggestions or has anyone else been through this before???

LJ

It might be a scam. What is the Lawyers name?

You have the right only to deal with the original creditor. You don't have to deal with a lawyer no matter what they say. You may need to send them a "cease and desist" letter though.

[Fandango 1,440]

Laura, get this lawyer to put the conversation in writing.

Not an actual transcript, but a summary of what he's said to you...

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Laura, get this lawyer to put the conversation in writing.

Not an actual transcript, but a summary of what he's said to you...

Thanks guys...I really appreciate the help. I have spoken to Ians dad who is a very intelligent business man lol and he calmed me down a bit. He is going to have Ian's brother in law who is a solicitor over here give the lawyer a ring and see what he can make of it. Unfortunately he is tied up today so won' t be able to do it until tomorrow or Friday. I just can't wrap my head around it STILL lol. I think I am in shock literally. Anyway..if anyone thinks of anything else that may help please feel free to let me know..

Thanks..

LJ

The lawyers name is Mel Harris from NY NY...does the name ring any bells for any of you fellow NEW YORKERS????Also spoke to a Glenn Miller who said he was a lawyer from the same office.

Edited July 19, 2006 by Laura_and_IanM

[Canuck Carrie 1]

Why would a lawyer be acting as a collection agent, especially on such a small amount?

If he was in fact acting on behalf of a company wouldn't he have your file there with him and be able to answer all your questions instead of it taking 60-90 days?

Follow the advice of others and go about getting your credit report before paying anyone any money.

[CarolineM 0]

Follow the advice of others and go about getting your credit report before paying anyone any money.

brilliant idea!

[Ban Hammer 14,267]

Laura, get this lawyer to put the conversation in writing.

Not an actual transcript, but a summary of what he's said to you...

Thanks guys...I really appreciate the help. I have spoken to Ians dad who is a very intelligent business man lol and he calmed me down a bit. He is going to have Ian's brother in law who is a solicitor over here give the lawyer a ring and see what he can make of it. Unfortunately he is tied up today so won' t be able to do it until tomorrow or Friday. I just can't wrap my head around it STILL lol. I think I am in shock literally. Anyway..if anyone thinks of anything else that may help please feel free to let me know..

Thanks..

LJ

The lawyers name is Mel Harris from NY NY...does the name ring any bells for any of you fellow NEW YORKERS????Also spoke to a Glenn Miller who said he was a lawyer from the same office.

google results:

Harris Mel S Esq

116 John St

New York, NY 10038

(212) 571-4900

you thinking this might be a scam, lisa?

i am finding it odd that there is an actress named mel harris and a glenn miller orchestra....

Edited July 19, 2006 by charlesandnessa

[Canuck Carrie 1]

Interesting linkabout Mel Harris

And another, see #128 on the list

Google for mel harris lawyer and you'll be surprised what you find.

Edited July 19, 2006 by Canuck Carrie