I have a bill that I was fighting and refusing to pay because of a unfair charge. It wasn't a big bill but.. it went to a collection agency.
This agency has been a pain in the butt, calling weekly etc.. I explained that I dispute the debt, and that I would correct this bill with the company that I owe the money to. They are saying that I can't, that the debt is now owed to them. Is this true?
2006-11-01 05:14:42 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
Argh, so.. generally I am SOL and should have just paid the $75ish dollar service charge?
The bill was first about 140, which I agree I owed, they tacked on $75. I refused to pay it till that was sorted out, they kept putting interest on it and such, now the collection company wants almost 400!
2006-11-01 05:24:22 · update #1
Lots of bad advice here.
Let me start by saying you have NO legal obligation to even talk to a collection agent! The agent is hired by the original creditor to collect the debt, making him nothing more then his agent. Unless the debt was purchased outright (and they provide you proof of this) you don't have to talk to them.
The original creditor does not have to deal with you either. He may simply tell you to contact the collection agent. If so, you don't have much choice.
My suggestion....If you think you have a good case in fighting the portion of bill you are in dispute with...then fight these guys! Start by sending the collection a "demand to validate" letter. That means they must send you copies of all bills, receipts, contracts, and everything that was used to calculate what they claim you owe.
Examine this info carefully, as this is what they will use in court if they sue you. If you still think you have a case, igore them and let them sue you. If the collection agent places this on your credit report, sue them for damages.
2006-11-01 11:05:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My friend, this is what you need to do: Write the collection agency informing them not to contact you on the phone. This has to be written according to the FDCPA. In the letter, make payment arrangements of equal payment of x-dollars, due on the x of every month. It does not matter if it is $10/month...just make sure you make the payment.
It is still a question whether or not the debt is still owned by the original creditor. Most agencies are paid on commission and some buy the debt at a fraction of the amount that is owed. With an amount this small, they are more than likely working on commission.
The key is to write the letter and explain that 1. You do not wish to be contacted by phone by their company ever again. 2. You will pay $x/month until the debt is satisfied. Then, your problem is solved. Hope this helps...
2006-11-01 05:57:23 · answer #2 · answered by creativegoon1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is usually up to the original creditor and the collection agency. Also depends on if the debt was sold to that collection agency or if they are collecting the debt for a fee. If you send your payment to the original creditor they will either call the collection agency and tell them of the payment or send it back to you. By law if you asked them to quit calling they have to, but they can still proceed with collections against you. A lot of times collection agencies will add on a fee and you are responsible for that as well. Even if you pay the original creditor all that you owe them, the collection agency can still proceed against you for their fee.
2006-11-01 05:19:48 · answer #3 · answered by Jenny K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, sounds like you went about it in the wrong way. The original debtor sold the debt to this collection agency. Now you owe the collection agency.
Sorry. I'd contact the original debtor before paying the collection agency first, though, just to make sure they are legit.
2006-11-01 05:26:55 · answer #4 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yep. some companies "sell" ur debts to a debtor company. so the original company has been paid (tho not by you) so now the debtor company needs to be paid and thats where u come in. they dont care if u dispute it or not, b/c if u cancel service or file a complaint it wont affect them, they just want ur money so they dont lose out on what they paid the original company
2006-11-01 05:19:35 · answer #5 · answered by jenivive 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically they are correct, the debt is now owned by them .... however, the original company shouldn't have sold it on while it was still in dispute.
2006-11-01 05:17:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will have to contact the original creditor because they might no longer accept any type of payment because they already sold the debt.
2006-11-01 05:19:22 · answer #7 · answered by bella_4624_19 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call the company who hired the collector and tell them how you feel about it and that you're disputing it.
2006-11-01 05:22:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋