How do I find out if this is a real lawyer?

[pimp_33_99]

My girlfriend who has had spotless credit since she was 18 had a medical collection put on her credit that is from 5 years ago. I disputed it and it came off but she just got a letter from:

 

The law offices of

Mitchell D. Bluhm & Associates

Attorneys At Law

 

I googled the address and the only thing that comes up is a collection agency. Is it possible they are breaking the rules and making it seem as though they are lawyers when in fact they are a collection agency? How would I find out and what is the best way to handle this? Send a debt validation certified mail?

 

Edit: Just found them here, what the heck is this?

http://www.fid.state.nv.us/New_Qry_ForeignCollection.asp

Edited April 24, 2009 by pimp_33_99

[shanagain]

IME, these types of collectors usually do have one scumbag bottom-rung lawyer working for or running the joint.

 

What state are you in? You may be out of SOL - but a quick google showed that they seem to be literal ambulance chasers - they chase old ambulance bills, which I also believe may "not" be covered under usual SOL laws, so proceed with at least a bit of caution.

 

I'd go ahead and send this:

http://whychat.5u.com/ltrcavalhipaa.html

 

But hold up for a day or two to make sure WhyChat doesn't come correct me. (Usually, WC will pop in only to correct, not confirm.)

 

This is REALLY important, though, and doesn't need confirmation - have your gf get copies of her reports, and OPT OUT. (This helps prevent these guys from finding zombie debt to bring back from the dead.) And delete old addresses from her reports.

[pimp_33_99]

Yeah the deal is she went to the emergency room a long time ago, and they never billed her insurance or her. Bill is for only 300 but she assumed it was paid and never worried about it, now this. They actually tried to bill her dad when she went in for some strange reason and he hasnt been to the doctor in 30 years. I don't think they have any solid info or anything, as I said they cra deleted it right away when disputed. Crazy thing is she worked in that hospital in the er for 2 years that she actually went into. Also for the zombie debt she has no bad marks on her credit, she has 740 plus on all 3! Hopefully they don't try to put this back on somehow.

Edited April 25, 2009 by pimp_33_99