Can a collection agency charge me 40% on top of the actual amount owed?

Question

I had a vet bill from last April. The bill was $489.00. I paid $100.00 at the time of service. I didn'nt make another payment till aug. The bill is paided off now, but they had turned it over to a bill collecter in aug. I never delt with the collecter, sent my payments to the vet, Now the collection agency say's I owe them $220.00 plus. And they say it will continue to go up if not paid, I did sign a contract at the vet's office that I would be responsible for any cost if it goes to collection, but this sounds illigal. They say I will also have to pay for lawyer and court fee's if it goes to court. Thanks for any helpful answers. Jo

I went to the local court web site, and they have taken a lot of people to court for amounts under $300.00. But I don't know if that is the amount owed or their fee's.

Answer 1

They are full of crap, tell them to get bent, it would cost them more to sue than what you owe, collection agencies are all full of hot air, send them a cease and desist letter and never give them any bank info or info of any kind

Answer 2

First of all, if it were illegal they wouldn't be charging a fee. This is how they are able to stay in business & they perform a service for people or companies who get screwed by people like you.

You probably wouldn't have paid your vet if the collection agency weren't involved.

And yes, you would be responsible for lawyer fees & court costs. After all, when money is owed for services rendered by your vet he is the injured party not you.

Since it doesn't cost the collection agency to take you to small claims court (remember, you're footing the bill) they will do so.

Sorry, I don't agree with anyone who says you're the one getting screwed here. Your vet was & now the collection agency. Maybe you've learned your lesson to pay what you owe in the first place. When I can't afford to pay the entire bill up front, I make pmt arrangements & stick to them. It is only fair. You have also negatively affected your credit rating. Don't make it worse by having a vet & a collection agency reporting you as a bad risk. Its time for you to take some responsibility & act like an adult in your financial dealings. Shame on you for wanting to get out of it.

Answer 3

How do you think a collection agency stays in business? Nobody forces you to become involved with a collection agency, but if you do become so involved, you must expect additional charges. If everyone with a credit facility had the common sense and courtesy to inform a lender/provider immediately there was a problem, so things could be worked out, there would be absolutely no need for collection agencies because, having worked out matters with the debtor, the provider would not need to refer the debt on

Answer 4

unforuntealy, you're screwed. collection agencies get paid on commission, so they're going to keep hounding until you pay up. i'd say tell your vet to give you a receipt that you paid your bill off so you can show proof to the credit companies.

oh yeah, and don't pay the agencies squat. they can't do anything to you except harass you. just don't answer your phone or the door. eventualy they'll give up. it helps to live elsewhere for a while.

Answer 5

they sure can.