Frontline Asset Strategies is Trying to Collect on a Credit Card From 20 Years Ago
I have received a letter from Frontline asset strategies stating my unpaid judgment has been turned over to us for collection. It has to whom the debt is owed and original creditor. This was a credit card I had 22 yrs ago and was unable to make payments. I had not received any correspodence for yrs until recently.
Should I contact Frontline or what should I do?
—Michelle
Frontline Asset Strategies is a debt collection agency out of Minnesota. First things first:
Was there ever a judgment entered against you? If so, how long ago?
What state was the judgment entered in? Are you still in that state?
Agencies Like Frontline Asset Strategies Try to Collect on Dead Debt
Depending on your answers to my questions above, your debt may be dead. What I mean by that is – its been more than 7.5 years since the last payment was made to the original creditor on the account. This means the account should no longer appear on your credit report. If it does show, that can be disputed off.
It has been more than 7 years since a judgment was entered. This means the judgment should no longer appear on your credit report. If it does, dispute it off.
Most states have a judgment shelf life of 10 years. Many states allow a judgment to be renewed for another 10 years before the first 10 years expires. If there was a legitimate judgment entered against you more than 20 years ago, and if that judgment no longer has an legal enforcement to it, the debt is dead. As in dead dead.
Your Next Steps to Deal with the Judgment Debt
If this is a legitimate judgment and you know what court it was entered in, check with the court to see when the judgment was entered and if/when the judgment was renewed. If there is still any collection juice to the debt, lets talk about that once you confirm it still has legs. You can access some court records on line. Call the court and ask if they have free online access. You may have to go to the court to look up the information you need.
If the account has no collection life left in it, you could send a response to Frontline Asset Strategies requesting that they cease communication with you. Be sure that the debt cannot be collected through lien levy or garnishment before sending a cease communication letter to the debt collector.
You can also request Frontline Asset Strategies validate the debt. Here again I would suggest you first find out if there is any life left to the judgment.
Post a reply comment below with answers to my questions and updates with what you learn and lets take it from there.
About Michael Bovee
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Michael started CRN in 2004 with a mission to provide people in need with detailed debt and credit help and education. Michael has participated as an expert panelist in federal consumer protection rule making, collaborated on state law changes governing debt consolidation, has worked as an expert witness in court matters related to the debt relief industry, and is a regular contributor to several personal finance websites.
I have received 11 calls from a phone with area code 505 (New Mexico). My phone is a tracfone with a 505 area code also. My phone is on the do-not-call list. I called the number after I received my 8th call from them and told them not to call me again. I was told they were trying to reach “Mike Jones”. I told them I have had the number for about 5 years and didn’t know Mike Jones. I was told my number would be removed from their list Got 3 more calls since – called again, and again they are seeking Mike Jones. No mention made of collection agency – I figured it was an investment scam. Since they continue to call me, I am reporting to do-not-call. They clearly try to trick people by using an area code the same as the person they are calling. Unethical company.
I had a credit card issued as Union Plus and serviced through Capital One. Last August I defaulted on that card and early 2016 it was charged off. In April 2016 I received a letter from Capital One stating that the account had been acquired by Bureaus Investment Group 15 LLC. I had not heard anything from them until October 10th when Frontline Asset Strategies contacted me by telephone. I asked that they contact in writing. When I received the letter stating my account for the amount of $3803.50 had been turned over to Frontline Asset Strategies for collection. I requested by CMRRR debt validation.
Yesterday I received the response to the debt validation request in the form of about 2 years worth of Union Plus credit card billing statements. I had expected maybe an affidavit, a bill of sale of some kind showing the debt assumed by Bureaus Investment Group, and maybe even a spread sheet with the statements.
But that’s not the interesting part. Mixed in with the statements were two unrelated credit card statements. One from Orchard bank and one from HSBC. Both were mine and both were from my previous address and neither had anything to do with the Union Plus credit card. They were for completely different account that was ever in default: they were accounts I paid and closed. There is no reason why Frontline or Bureaus should have these account statements.
Someone released my personal information to Frontline without my permission and the information has nothing to do with their assignment to collect the debt they claim I owe to Bureaus Investment Group.
I would never expect a bill of sale from a debt validation request. The threshold for debt collectors to validate a debt is low enough to trip over on the way to the water cooler.
I would call and talk with an experienced debt collection consumer rights attorney about the unrelated account documents you were sent. That is not right. I can email you contact details to some in your state with the experience you need if you like? What state are you in?
I have a 3 year old report thru Blackhawk financing. On my credit report it shows closed, charged off.
Now I get a call from Frontline. There was never a judgement against this debt it was wrote off.
If I am understanding your situation and take on things, it would help you to read more about what a charge off is and means to you.
Hi
I had an issue paying a credit card and couldn’t make the payments and stopped in 2011 or 2012.
I had a couple of collection agencies call but explained since my score is ruined and they won’t remove it I am not making payment arrangements.
Year or 2 go by this company called today. I’m assuming its the same debt.
I’m not sure if they can put a lien against my home I don’t see any liens on my report.
What should I do?
I believe it was filed in NY I’m in NY
Thank you
What is it you think was filed? Is there a court action related to the account?
Why do you have an expectation that you can pay and get a negative removed from your credit reports? It is not common at all.
You can settle for less and get the account updated on your credit to show it is resolved and a zero balance owed.They have to update this fact. This helps your credit moving forward.
I am currently making payments to frontline strategies on a credit card debt and I need to change my payment info.
Thank you
Lucinda
You will want to call Frontline Asset Strategies directly in order to change your payment information at 877-258-1590.