AFNI, AFNI AFNI

[soccerlove]

Need you help think through a plan of action. this falls off in july 2010 in one cRA and Sept 2010 on another. EQ does not show when it falls. I had hope to get it off al 3 sooner

 

1. reports on all 3. DVed them (outside of 30 days) and then disputed with CRAs including copy of green card. Used Jack attack style dispute. All but EX have received disputes. Today i back door EX and Afni has shown that they last reported to EX 1/2010. this must have been just done in the last few days as my report from last week shows 2006 as last date of reporting. I will wait to get dispute results from al three before doing anything else. However, (just in case there are no deletions) I would like to prepare in advance on how to proceed. I am thinking of sending letter to BBB and IL AG but dont know if this would be premature. Or should I send another DV so I can evidence to BBB or AG that I have made attempts at contacting AFNI to resolve the reporting of theit TL. Any thoughts and ideas will be greatly appreciated.

 

as usual, thanks for all the help

[MB82x]

If it is going to fall off in 7/2010, I almost want to say you should leave it alone. Disputing it might wake the sleeping giant and get you served. Depends on the debt too, I guess.

[Sword and Armor]

AFNI, a sleeping giant? Hardly.

 

Afni makes it's living by attempting to collect old out of SOL "debts" from uneducated consumers and they generally have no documentation to back up.

 

This is completely a YMMV situation, but I got rid of them within 2 weeks by DV'ing them, sending disputes to all 3 CRA's, and then filing complaints with the BBB and ACA. Make sure that you specify that they are to only contact you via USPS, or your phone will begin ringing off the hook (but usually with many FDCPA violations if you do speak to them ).

 

In my case, Afni provided "verfication" to the BBB complaint in the form of a MS Word generated "invoice" that they obviously created in house. Upon my demand for actual paperwork from the OC, with their letterhead at the very least, they immediately ceased all collection activity and they were gone from all 3 CRA's the next day.

 

They claimed that I opened a cell phone account years ago at "his then address in Florida." The problem with that is that I've never lived in Florida. Mention their attempt to collect from a dog as well, they should go away pretty quickly. Just make sure that you stipulate that they will not attempt to collect on this debt in the future and they will not sell the account to another JDB or CA, and make sure that you get it in writing.

 

The mere appearance of being slightly educated in the FDCPA and FCRA is more than enough for them to turn to someone who isn't.

 

Don't be afraid to complain to the AG's of Illinois and your state, the BBB or the ACA. I found 6 violations of the ACA's code of ethics!

 

http://www.acainternational.org/files.aspx...f_ethics_08.pdf

Edited January 20, 2010 by Sword and Armor

[soccerlove]

AFNI, a sleeping giant? Hardly.

 

Afni makes it's living by attempting to collect old out of SOL "debts" from uneducated consumers and they generally have no documentation to back up.

 

This is completely a YMMV situation, but I got rid of them within 2 weeks by DV'ing them, sending disputes to all 3 CRA's, and then filing complaints with the BBB and ACA. Make sure that you specify that they are to only contact you via USPS, or your phone will begin ringing off the hook (but usually with many FDCPA violations if you do speak to them ).

 

In my case, Afni provided "verfication" to the BBB complaint in the form of a MS Word generated "invoice" that they obviously created in house. Upon my demand for actual paperwork from the OC, with their letterhead at the very least, they immediately ceased all collection activity and they were gone from all 3 CRA's the next day.

 

They claimed that I opened a cell phone account years ago at "his then address in Florida." The problem with that is that I've never lived in Florida. Mention their attempt to collect from a dog as well, they should go away pretty quickly. Just make sure that you stipulate that they will not attempt to collect on this debt in the future and they will not sell the account to another JDB or CA, and make sure that you get it in writing.

 

The mere appearance of being slightly educated in the FDCPA and FCRA is more than enough for them to turn to someone who isn't.

 

Don't be afraid to complain to the AG's of Illinois and your state, the BBB or the ACA. I found 6 violations of the ACA's code of ethics!

 

http://www.acainternational.org/files.aspx...f_ethics_08.pdf

 

 

 

Thanks for prompt response. I'm glad you got rid of them in such a short period of time. I understand the varying of mielage but i want to try your method. So far i have gotten no responses from the CRAs to my dispute and of course nothing from AFNI. Did your wait for CRAs to send you their results before you contacted the BBB, ACA, AG? It almost seems to me if you ditched them in such a short period, then complaints against them might have been send quite early in the process. I want to launch my complaints as soon as I get the results from the CRAs. Thanks for the ACA link

[Sword and Armor]

Thanks for prompt response. I'm glad you got rid of them in such a short period of time. I understand the varying of mielage but i want to try your method. So far i have gotten no responses from the CRAs to my dispute and of course nothing from AFNI. Did your wait for CRAs to send you their results before you contacted the BBB, ACA, AG? It almost seems to me if you ditched them in such a short period, then complaints against them might have been send quite early in the process. I want to launch my complaints as soon as I get the results from the CRAs. Thanks for the ACA link

 

I started with just a simple round of disputes on all of my trade lines due to a merged report. So I did have to get through the first couple of weeks to see what dropped and what stuck. After the first round of results (all verified) from the CRA's, I hit them immediately with everything: A DV, another round of disputes and then the BBB and ACA, and all within a couple of days. So I was much more aggressive than many others may be.

 

The ACA kind of backed off a bit and waited to see the results of the BBB complaint. Once Afni sent their "Invoice" from the OC, I passed that along to ACA. I never got to the point of needing the AG, although the Ill. AG has seen plenty of complaints against Afni, so you may want to get them involved. Google "Afni scam" or "Afni Ill. AG" and you will come up with thousands of hits regarding deceptive practices and their poor business practices. Yes, they did attempt to collect a "debt" from a dog!

 

http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/15/debt-coll...nance-debt.html

http://www.kcra.com/station/16839043/detail.html

 

The most important thing is to not be afraid of them. If your debt is beyond SOL, they won't be able to do much outside of letting you go. You have the knowledge, so you have the power!

 

Just remember, YMMV!

Edited January 20, 2010 by Sword and Armor

[murkmurk]

I hate the AFNI calls!

[soccerlove]

Thanks for prompt response. I'm glad you got rid of them in such a short period of time. I understand the varying of mielage but i want to try your method. So far i have gotten no responses from the CRAs to my dispute and of course nothing from AFNI. Did your wait for CRAs to send you their results before you contacted the BBB, ACA, AG? It almost seems to me if you ditched them in such a short period, then complaints against them might have been send quite early in the process. I want to launch my complaints as soon as I get the results from the CRAs. Thanks for the ACA link

 

I started with just a simple round of disputes on all of my trade lines due to a merged report. So I did have to get through the first couple of weeks to see what dropped and what stuck. After the first round of results (all verified) from the CRA's, I hit them immediately with everything: A DV, another round of disputes and then the BBB and ACA, and all within a couple of days. So I was much more aggressive than many others may be.

 

The ACA kind of backed off a bit and waited to see the results of the BBB complaint. Once Afni sent their "Invoice" from the OC, I passed that along to ACA. I never got to the point of needing the AG, although the Ill. AG has seen plenty of complaints against Afni, so you may want to get them involved. Google "Afni scam" or "Afni Ill. AG" and you will come up with thousands of hits regarding deceptive practices and their poor business practices. Yes, they did attempt to collect a "debt" from a dog!

 

http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/15/debt-coll...nance-debt.html

http://www.kcra.com/station/16839043/detail.html

 

The most important thing is to not be afraid of them. If your debt is beyond SOL, they won't be able to do much outside of letting you go. You have the knowledge, so you have the power!

 

Just remember, YMMV!

 

Thanks again. I will wait my results then attack. I also on this one prefer the aggressive approach.

[MB82x]

Well, I actually got rid of AFNI over the phone.

 

Over the course of 2002 - 2007, my father (same name) was using my SSN to get utilities. One of these was Cingular.

 

He racked up a $400-500 bill, and stopped paying. I was stuck with the collection account.

 

I called AFNI and spoke to them, telling them I had never opened the account - and said that "I personally have never used cingular - but I know my father did, and he has the same name as I do."

 

I heard the compliance associate type a few keys, and then she asked "do you live in ______, __?" - I replied that I do not live there. After a few seconds of silence, she replies... "well, actually - we don't have a social security number or a date of birth for this account, so I can't verify whether or not this is your account or your father's... so we'll just go ahead and close the account and have it removed from your credit files"...

 

Within a week, I had a letter from AFNI confirming what she said, and the account was wiped off my credit reports.

[Sword and Armor]

After a few seconds of silence, she replies... "well, actually - we don't have a social security number or a date of birth for this account, so I can't verify whether or not this is your account or your father's... so we'll just go ahead and close the account and have it removed from your credit files"...

 

soccerlove, take note of the bold face

 

Good for you MB82x!

[soccerlove]

After a few seconds of silence, she replies... "well, actually - we don't have a social security number or a date of birth for this account, so I can't verify whether or not this is your account or your father's... so we'll just go ahead and close the account and have it removed from your credit files"...

 

soccerlove, take note of the bold face

 

Good for you MB82x!

 

Guess they did not have anything to positively verify with.

 

@MB82x-- its been stated over and over how to stay avoid the phone with these CAs, but you showed that sometimes you get results that route.

[Sword and Armor]

Guess they did not have anything to positively verify with.

 

Exactly my point!

[jtoast]

I personally would just dispute them as obsolete and see if they go away.

[soccerlove]

I personally would just dispute them as obsolete and see if they go away.

 

I used the Jack Attack method and did include (together with other dispute reasons to delete) the account reporting period had been exceeded. Waiting for results from all 3

[Stockstar]

AFNI is horrible! I had dealings with them back in the day that lasted 6 months during my credit repair process and they do not want to help. I wanted to fax info to them and they said we have no fax. I said can I email it, they said we have no email here. I actually recoded all my phone call to them. I finally go an address and sent certified mail that requiered signature and they failed to receive it, so I never go a receipt stating thet received it. I finally got a lawyer on their a$$ and all of a sudden they wanted to be my best friend and resolve my issue. PUNKS. Good luck with them.

[equallydivided]

Well, I actually got rid of AFNI over the phone.

 

Over the course of 2002 - 2007, my father (same name) was using my SSN to get utilities. One of these was Cingular.

 

He racked up a $400-500 bill, and stopped paying. I was stuck with the collection account.

 

I called AFNI and spoke to them, telling them I had never opened the account - and said that "I personally have never used cingular - but I know my father did, and he has the same name as I do."

 

I heard the compliance associate type a few keys, and then she asked "do you live in ______, __?" - I replied that I do not live there. After a few seconds of silence, she replies... "well, actually - we don't have a social security number or a date of birth for this account, so I can't verify whether or not this is your account or your father's... so we'll just go ahead and close the account and have it removed from your credit files"...

 

Within a week, I had a letter from AFNI confirming what she said, and the account was wiped off my credit reports.

 

Ditto, except mine was AT&T at the time. And, it wasn't a family member. I called, they deleted as "identity theft" which seems to be their code word for 'delete'. Took 4 minutes. Ticked me off, as I had already sent a round of letters that resulted in nothing.

 

Go ahead and call, what are they going to do - hurt your credit?

[aeroman]

Here is the letter I sent them on behalf of the wife:

 

Afni, Inc.

404 Brock Drive

PO BOX 3517 Bloomington IL 61702-3517

 

Natalie Leathernuts

1234 4th st

kickass, WA

 

 

12/25/2009

 

*****THIS LETTER WAS SENT CERTIFIED*****

 

Re: Your Inquiry dated 12/07/2009 : your file #026146342-01

 

To whom it may concern :

 

I received a letter from your office on 12/07/2009 over an alleged debt with Verizon. I have no knowledge of this debt.

Natalie Leathernuts was my maiden name. It was legally changed to something else when I was married 18 years ago.

Obviously, this account is out of the statue of limitations as outlined by the State of Washington RCW 4.16.080 governing unwritten contracts. What AFNI, Inc is attempting to do is clear, and continued collection activities beyond the SOL. Collection on accounts beyond their legal collection date, or reporting to any consumer credit reporting agency, may be considered extortion and/or fraud. Under Revised Code of Washington, the continued collection activities on the subject account is in violation of state law and is subject to legal action on my part against AFNI, Inc and it’s assignees.

This notification is formal notice to you that any filing of any action by you, or your representatives or assigns, is time-barred. This would include reporting to any credit reporting agency on this account.

 

Since this alleged debt is construed to have occurred so far in the distant past I believe it would be in AFNI, Inc’s best interest to send me a letter stating they are closing the account and will cease collection activity. I am sure your legal department will agree.

You are not to sell, transfer, assign, or share any information about me or this alleged debt with anyone individual or company.

Please note that proof of your receipt of this notice may be used by me or my legal representative in further action.

 

Natalie

 

 

 

I, myself have had very good success with them after reading here. Sent them letters, complained to everyone I could think of and then called them. They got aggressive on the phone but once they realize you hold all the cards they fold like a blanket.

[soccerlove]

Update

 

Just got the results from EQ and they deleted. Nothing from TU or EX yet, BUT also received a notice from TU Credit monitoring of changes made on EX CR. Upon pulling EX backdoor, i see changes made on same AFNI TL. changes are:

 

1. Reported since has changed from 3/06 to 2/06

2. Date of Status has changed from 3/06 to 2/06

3. Last reported has changed from 10/06 to 1/10

4. under your statement it says Accnt disputed by consumer (meets requirement of FCRA)

5.also under account history previous CR says collection as of JAN 06, March 06. Current CR lists Feb 06 in place of March 06

 

TL also lists as INSTALLMENT Acc with a 1 month term.

 

I am puzzed as to why the dates on the items 1, 2, and 5 above have been changed.

I guess I am ready now to do a follow up with AFNI on this account. I think this is the time to send another strongly worded DV and also also initiate a complaint w/ the BBB and IL/GA AGs. Of course, I did not get any communication from AFNI concerning my earlier DV. Any pointers as to how to follow up on this stubborn TL and CA? Your help would be greatly appreciated. As always-- CB ROCKS!!

[soccerlove]

^^^^^^^^ friendly bump ^^^^^^^^^^

[soccerlove]

Launched a BBB complaint detailing how AFNI does not want to reply to DV yet recently updated dates on my CR right after getting my DV letter. Got response from BBB with AFNIS reply. Bunch of lies in their reply eg. Lied about date they got my DV. Claimed they did not change anything on CR after getting my DV and that only thing they changed was to add statement that consumer disputes account. All Lies. They changed 5 lines on my EX CR and changed some dates related to that TL too. They claim their info is based on what the OC gave them a few years ago. I called this OC who do not know anything about the balances afni is stating. Conflicting info. They also says that they quit collecting attempts after getting my DV. Not true. I thought updating orr adding more info to CR was considered a collection attempt.

 

Of course i rejected their response to the BBB. will see what the outcome will be. The IL AG just two days ago received my detailed complaint about these same people. On a good note, EQ deleted already.

[MB82x]

When I called AFNI, I think my intention was to ask a few questions, find out what their files said - and then submit a PFD offer through the mail.

 

I got to chatting with the Compliance Associate, mentioned the situation, and wound up with a free deletion.

[Sword and Armor]

Did the response to the BBB look like this?

 

Dear Mr. BBB Guy:

This is in response to your letter to Afni, Inc., regarding the above referenced matter. We appreciate your assistance in bringing our consumers concerns to our attention. In that regard, T-Mobile previously informed Afni that the underlying account was due and owing from Mr. Guy We're Screwing. This T-Mobile account - formerly Voicestream/Aerial/PCS One/Omnipoint or Powertel account was established on May 1, 2003 by Screwed Consumer with his personal information and billed to his then current address of (a place that I've never lived). The account was active for over 1 year when it was considered delinquent by the original creditor on June 11, 2004. The last payment of $76.78 was received by the creditor leaving a balance due of $ 216.70. Afni mailed an initial notice directly to the consumer on June 24, 2009 and a settlement offer was sent on October 6, 2009. Please see the final billing information provided by T-Mobile as validation of the account.

Afni is a professional organization that has been in business since 1936, and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. At this time, Afni has ceased communications with the consumer, meaning we will not initiate further communication with the consumer via letter or telephone without the consumer's request. If information about the account was furnished to the credit reporting agencies, the agencies will be informed that the account is disputed. Thank you.

It is most likely similar. In my dispute with the BBB they also included a bogus invoice. Did they do that for you?

[soccerlove]

Did the response to the BBB look like this?

 

Dear Mr. BBB Guy:

This is in response to your letter to Afni, Inc., regarding the above referenced matter. We appreciate your assistance in bringing our consumers concerns to our attention. In that regard, T-Mobile previously informed Afni that the underlying account was due and owing from Mr. Guy We're Screwing. This T-Mobile account - formerly Voicestream/Aerial/PCS One/Omnipoint or Powertel account was established on May 1, 2003 by Screwed Consumer with his personal information and billed to his then current address of (a place that I've never lived). The account was active for over 1 year when it was considered delinquent by the original creditor on June 11, 2004. The last payment of $76.78 was received by the creditor leaving a balance due of $ 216.70. Afni mailed an initial notice directly to the consumer on June 24, 2009 and a settlement offer was sent on October 6, 2009. Please see the final billing information provided by T-Mobile as validation of the account.

Afni is a professional organization that has been in business since 1936, and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. At this time, Afni has ceased communications with the consumer, meaning we will not initiate further communication with the consumer via letter or telephone without the consumer's request. If information about the account was furnished to the credit reporting agencies, the agencies will be informed that the account is disputed. Thank you.

It is most likely similar. In my dispute with the BBB they also included a bogus invoice. Did they do that for you?

 

 

AFNI's bogus response

 

Dear Ms BBB

This is in response to your letter to Afni, Inc., regarding the above referenced matter. We appreciate your assistance in bringing our consumers concerns to our attention. In that regard, OC previously informed Afni that the underlying account was due and owing from XXX. This OC account was established on July 11, 2003 at the consumer's then current address of XXX. The account was active for nearly 3 months when it was considered delinquent by the original creditor on October 2, 2003. Afni mailed an initial notice directly to the consumer on January 31, 2006.

On January 14, 2010, Afni received a letter from XXX informing us of her dispute. In response, Afni ceased collection activity while it obtains verification that the information we were provided with by OC was correct. This process can take up to 30 days to complete and the consumer will be forwarded the results of our investigation.

As for the consumer's credit report, Afni reported information about the account to the credit reporting agencies on March 2, 2006. Information furnished to the credit reporting agencies accurately reflect the information provided to Afni, Inc. by OC. Aside from informing the credit reporting agencies that the account is in a disputed status, an action which took place three days following the consumer's dispute with our office and as required by the FCRA, Afni has not altered the information it has listed with those agencies. Should the consumer require further assistance, she is welcome to contact a Consumer Relations Specialist at 866.716.1284. Thank you.

Sincerely,

 

 

No additional documentation, no invoice from OC. morons

[Sword and Armor]

It looks like you'll have this one deleted, but it may take a little time.

 

In their response, it looks like they've stated that they're attempting to collect on an out of SOL debt. On top of that, they claim that the account was "active for nearly three months". So that means that the account was delinquent for less than one month before being charged off? I doubt it.

 

I have a feeling that they will get nothing from the OC, but they'll attempt to submit one of those in house "invoices". Afni seems to love the fact that they have an A+ rating with the BBB and they want to keep it.

 

Expect them to "close the account". If they do, demand that they submit a letter to you stating that they will not attempt to collect in the future or sell it to another JDB.

 

BTW - Don't you just love the statement "We appreciate your assistance in bringing our consumers concerns to our attention." When did we become their consumer?

[soccerlove]

Got email from AFNI compliance associate today. Below is part of what she wrote. sounds like she is indicating deletions within 30 days if im reading the last 3 sentences right.

 

 

In response to your dispute, the process for an investigation may take up to 30 days as indicated in my response to the Better Business Bureau. At this time, I have decided to cease collections on the account and close our file. This does not indicate that the account was not due and owing, simply Afni closed its file. The account will not be returned to the original creditor nor placed in another office for collections. You will be notified directly via letter of such action. Notification will also be sent to the credit reporting agencies with instructions to delete the account. Please allow up to 30 days for this to be reflected on your credit. I trust this resolves your concerns, but should you require further information, you may contact me directly via email.

 

Thank You

 

AFNI Rep

[MB82x]

Looks like they're removing it, but MIGHT resume collections eventually; if they can find proof it is your account.