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About John G. Watts
Expertise
I can answer questions related to debt collectors and collection agencies contacting, threatening, or suing consumers. I can also discuss how credit reports are affected by debt collectors and collection agencies. My website lists a number of actual cases I have recently filed - www.alabamaconsumer.com. You can also go to my blog at http://www.alabamaconsumerlawblog.com/ which lists information about consumer issues.

Experience
I have been a lawyer for 12 years. My background is a trial practice in the area of personal injury and wrongful death. The last couple of years, I have shifted my focus to consumer law. Specifically, to representing consumers with errors on their credit reports (Fair Credit Reporting Act), identity theft (Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) and harassment from collection agencies (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act).

Education/Credentials
Graduated with a business degree from Indiana University in 1992. Law degree from Cumberland School of Law in 1995.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Business > Corporate Law > Collections Law > collection agency

Topic: Collections Law



Expert: John G. Watts
Date: 6/30/2007
Subject: collection agency

Question
I just got a bill from Afni Collections for an 11 year old "debt" from Verizon.  The address is not mine; the phone number is not mine; I have Verizon service now in Atlanta and I don't know what this bill is for.  I don't want my credit hurt and dont' know what to do.  Can you help?

Answer
Georgene,

This is a big problem with AFNI in my opinion.

We also see problems with AFNI not correcting accounts that have been discharged - http://www.alabamaconsumer.com/CM/Custom/wesley%20v%20%20afni%20complaint%200703...

I tell people in Alabama to dispute the debt in writing - certified mail, keep signed copy.  http://www.alabamaconsumerlawblog.com/2007/06/what_alabama_consumers_should_1.ht...

Also, check your credit reports to see if AFNI has put it on there.  http://www.alabamaconsumerlawblog.com/2007/03/first_critical_step_to_correct.htm...

Contact me if you would like to discuss this further.

John Watts
johngwatts@gmail.com

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