Ohio Woman Concerned Over Claim Of Lien On Home For "Zombie" Debt That's Not Hers

In Batavia, Ohio, WKRC-TV Channel 12 reports:

• A Batavia woman was surprised to receive a letter saying a lien was placed against her property, but doesn't know how to put a stop to it. Beverly Townsend received such a letter in July from a Columbus lawyer. It says a lien has been placed against her real estate as a result of a 16 year old debt. She says the debt is not hers and she's worried. "I'm just concerned that they could possibly garnish my wages, interfere if I had to refinance my house. I'm not planning to, but you never know in this economy, and that could throw that all off," says Townsend.

• The notice that upset her was this letter saying a judgment lien was filed on her real estate and is subject to foreclosure. Beverly's daughter, Tanya, says the person who owes the debt is not her mother. "A debt owed to Abbott Foods for a restaurant she owned in Middletown. She's never owned a restaurant. She's never lived in Middletown," says Tanya.

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• Beverly Townsend is clearly not the debtor named in the judgment, but her name will remain on the books. When she refinances or sells her home, she will simply have to fill out what's called a "not me" affidavit(1) stating she's not the person named in the judgment.

For more, see Batavia Woman Finds Lien Wrongly Placed On Her Home.

(1) Go here for more on judgment, or "not me," affidavits. zombie debt zeta