Structural Patterns

Several weeks ago, I received a collection letter for about $900 from Midland Credit for a debt that Midland purchased from Bank of America. I was surprised because I have no debts and I’ve never had any account or anything to do with Bank of America.

So I call Midland Credit, they ask me the last four digits of my social security number and the guy tells me that the debt is owed by another Ricardo Miranda with a different social security number and born in 1964. He goes on to tell me that my name and address will be deleted and that the credit bureaus will be contacted with the correction. I ask how such a mistake can be made, after all this is someone’s credit that they are playing with, and he tells me that they just look for people living in the same area as the person who incurred the debt was living and has the same name and then pin the debt to that person and send a collection letter. I was amazed at how irresponsible their procedure at collection is, hell I could do that, get a name and address without paying for a social security number check and just send a collection letter. I can’t believe that this sort of company is allowed to function and to ruin a person’s credit.

A couple weeks later, I receive the same collection letter! I call again, and my name and address has not been erased and then I tell the guy that this can really screw up my credit and I’m trying to refinance a mortgage and he tells me that it can’t possibly effect my credit score as the debt is not associated with my social security number.

A month later, I’m trying to refinance my mortgage and am told that two of my credit reports are a 100 points below what they should be, due to a Midland Credit debt! Now I’m wasting a lot of time, trying to correct information for a debt that is owed by some other guy with my name… This is nuts!

ASSOCIATE OR FULL PROFESSOR FILM AND MEDIA STUDIES
JOB ID: 2389
Hunter College’s Department of Film and Media Studies, which combines analytical and theoretical analysis with creative practice using an interdisciplinary approach to media, seeks applications for an Associate Professor or Professor who is a scholar and practitioner of new media. The position calls for a candidate who has an understanding of the cultural effects of new media and Internet technologies. Extensive teaching experience is essential. A PhD or MFA is required. APPLY ON LINE TO THE FOLLOWING EMAIL ADDRESS: digitalmediasearch@hunter.cuny.edu

Include letter of application with teaching/artistic/professional philosophy, curriculum vitae, list of three references or send to:
Dr. James Roman, Professor & Chair
Department of Film and Media Studies
Hunter College, CUNY
695 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10065