We owe you an apology. Really. You may not hear that very often. But there you go. In past editions of the Defeat Debt we’ve discussed identity theft, credit report errors and other issues related to fraud and the misuse by others of your personal information. In those stories we’ve explained in detail how to file complaints and the processes you must follow to resolve these issues, yet never once have we discussed the various difficulties you will face. We have yet to address the frustrations of attempting to be heard (and believed) or the obstacles you’ll be required to overcome to reach a ‘final’ resolution. Nor have we discussed how often in the new reality of ‘old’ debt buyers it occurs that there may never be a ‘final’ resolution as old issues resurface long down the road.

Often, the first time you will know about identity theft is when a creditor or collector contacts you to collect payment on the debt. Such a revelation can stop you in your tracks. It can be shocking. You may feel many different emotions, not the least of which is fear for your hard-won financial reputation and the tarnish of your good name.

How you proceed at this point and going forward will be very important. First, you will want to begin keeping a detailed log of any and all conversations and correspondence in reference to the debt. Each log entry should include the following: all contact information for the person with whom you spoke (name, phone number, address, email address, fax), summary of the discussion (date, time, length of conversation) or correspondence and a listing of any further steps to be taken in relationship to the contact.

Send all correspondence certified mail, delivery receipt requested. Don’t forget to keep a copy of everything you send as well. For some documentation you will want to keep the original and send only copies.

Do everything you can to maintain a calm, business-like demeanor during all contacts. Easy to say, but possibly not so easy to do. Yet, if you do become upset, it is to your advantage (and good health) to make every effort to stay calm. Yes, the process can become frustrating. Yes, at times, you may feel you are being manipulated, insulted, laughed at or embarrassed. If so, you may be speaking with someone inexperienced in handling such a situation. Calmly ask to speak to a supervisor. It will better serve your cause to write down this information in your log than to lash out at the person you are speaking with.

It may take some time to completely clear the situation. Don’t be surprised if the issue rears its head again in a few years. The debt may be sold in a block of uncollectible debts by the original creditor to a debt collector. This is the moment when it is so important to have kept all of your records from your previous work.

Ask questions again. Get the contact information for the person you are speaking to, again. Start another log. Although once the collector has made contact with you they have five days to send you notice of the debt, immediately make copies of the previous correspondence for the identity theft and send to the collector - delivery receipt requested. Here is another hint: tell the collector this is not your debt, tell the collector that the debt is the result of identity theft - but don’t use the term “dispute”. According to sources in the collection industry, disputing the debt says that you disagree with the amount, terms or other conditions of the debt - not that the debt is a fraudulent identity theft account.

In these situations, patience is definitely a virtue. Go through the process as many times as necessary and stand your ground. By maintaining your vigilance you can get through these difficult circumstances and move forward with your life. Of course, never forget, save your documentation.

The words listed below are from the articles in this edition of Defeat Debt. Hidden in our Word Search puzzle, test your skill and find all seventeen words.

Address Bean Calm Collector Complaint Debt Delivery Energy Errand Fear Fuel Gas Identity Log Mileage Patience Smoke