30 days-CA hasn't verified my debt. Now what?

[Beeheery]

Hi everyone,
To make a long story short, I sent a DV letter to a Collection Agency that holds approx 5K of bad debt of mine. I sent by fax and snail mail requesting proof it was my debt (used template from this forum). Never heard back from CA, never received anything in the mail, and whenever I call to ask them where the proof is, I keep being told that they will call me back. Well today is day 30 and I thought that if a CA didn't verify within 30 days, they lose all claim to the debt. I just don't know where to go from here. Any help is appreciated!

[ecsclb1724]

they do not lose their claim to the debt, but if you DV them within 30 days of first contact (have they ever contacted you in the past?) then they have to cease collection until validation is provided.

If they've sent you collection letters before, and you never responded, then you lose that cease collection opportunity.

[Beeheery]

The only thing I ever received from them was summons. That was my FIRST contact ever from them. When I received the summons, I typed up the DV letter and sent it to them. So yes, it was within the first 30 days because the only reason I knew they owed my debt is because they sued me.

[ryan]

Wait a minute....you get a summons from them and the first thing you do is send them a DV? Have you filed an Answer and Appearance to the summons?...Thats really the starting point for actions on your part, imo.

[ecsclb1724]

^^^^ yes, have you answered the summons yet??? I'm sure you're getting very close to the end date for that and if you don't answer they'll get a default judgment.

[newbie2]

The only thing I ever received from them was summons. That was my FIRST contact ever from them. When I received the summons, I typed up the DV letter and sent it to them. So yes, it was within the first 30 days because the only reason I knew they owed my debt is because they sued me.

Debt validation shouldn't be used when you've received a summons for a lawsuit. That is what the discovery process in the lawsuit is for. Goodness, you better get down to the courthouse, pull the file, and respond to the suit. (If there is still time to do that.)