OK. So it seems either way, the next best step is to stop paying them, as I have no idea whether they actually own this debt, or sold it sometime in 2002. Also, the payment tolls the statute of limitations. I’ve been sending them a letter each month with a payment, saying I would pay the next month. Do I send them another letter saying I will not pay until they can validate the debt? Or just stop?
Also, I am not sure under which law the OC falls under. I live in NYC, which has strict laws for “debt collection agencies”. This does not cover OCs. Not sure if they fall under the FDCPA, OCC, the Administrative Code.
It appears that, because I live in NYC, that the FDCPA applies:
5-21. CONSUMER CREDIT AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW
Any person or business extending consumer credit must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; Fair Reporting Act; Equal Credit Opportunity Act; and NYC Consumer Protection Law Rule #5-77.
Because they did not “verify” the debt as requested in 2009, does this mean that they can’t collect on it?