A year and a half ago Masterfile contacted me about an image on my site. I immediately removed it, and in fact I removed all images I did not take myself from my site.
I have received multiple letters and calls during this time but have not responded at all. My reasoning is anything I do or say can and will be used against me by an entity with many more legal resources and much deeper pockets. I am in Canada.
Here is an email I recently received from a collection agency called Altus:
It seems clear to me that this is not just a demand letter. There is clear language indicating that:
1) I owe a sum of money to Masterfile
2) The sum of money has been transferred to a collections agency acting on Masterfile's behalf
3) An attempt is being made to collect a debt
4) If I dispute the debt I have a limited time to dispute it, after which it will presumably be reported to the big credit reporting agencies
Does anyone have insight here? You cannot collect a debt with no contract, my initial instinct was to immediately contest the debt and ask for validation. BUT - contact from me after 1.5+ years of silence may encourage them.
The statute of limitations where I am is two years. It seems they are either preparing to take action or making a last ditch attempt to squeeze some money out. Thoughts?
I have received multiple letters and calls during this time but have not responded at all. My reasoning is anything I do or say can and will be used against me by an entity with many more legal resources and much deeper pockets. I am in Canada.
Here is an email I recently received from a collection agency called Altus:
Quote
5 DAY DEMAND
AMOUNT: $1,200.00
INTEREST:
ADD ON:
TOTAL: $1,200.00
Dear [redacted].
The above claim has been placed with our firm for collection. Prior to having an attorney evaluate the merits of litigation, we wish to allow you a final opportunity to satisfy the debt voluntarily. The above stated balance must be sent to our offices to avoid further action.
Refusal to honor this debt within 5 days of receipt of this demand can mean appropriate legal action will be taken to protect our client's interest.
Please visit [redacted] to make a payment or to arrange payment terms.
[redacted]
D1
North Carolina Department of Insurance Permit Number 4418
This collection agency is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce
This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information will be used for that purpose. If you dispute the validity of this debt you have 30 days to notify us of such.
It seems clear to me that this is not just a demand letter. There is clear language indicating that:
1) I owe a sum of money to Masterfile
2) The sum of money has been transferred to a collections agency acting on Masterfile's behalf
3) An attempt is being made to collect a debt
4) If I dispute the debt I have a limited time to dispute it, after which it will presumably be reported to the big credit reporting agencies
Does anyone have insight here? You cannot collect a debt with no contract, my initial instinct was to immediately contest the debt and ask for validation. BUT - contact from me after 1.5+ years of silence may encourage them.
The statute of limitations where I am is two years. It seems they are either preparing to take action or making a last ditch attempt to squeeze some money out. Thoughts?