Has anyone ever tried writing a check...?

Question

to a 3rd party creditor for an amount less than what was due...and wrote paid in full on the check and attached a letter saying if you cash this you accept this check as paid in full...and they accepted it? Did they write out the reminding balance. I heard this could be done and if they try to continue to collect from you , you can take them to court.

can i get serious answers please... I am not trying to be funny

Answer 1

It may work in some states but it is very unlikely that you can trick the agencies. If you want to settle for less then a full amount then send them your settlement offer.

However, answering your question, in AR, CO, CT, GA, KS, LA, ME, MI, NE, NJ, NC, OR, PA, TX, UT, VT, VA and WA if your creditor cashes a "full payment" check then it is illegal to go after you for the rest of a balance.

Answer 2

Although many people have long thought this is legal. unfortunately it is not. If it were I could write paid in full on mynext payment of my 180K mortgage and never make another payment if the company cashed it. They will continue their collection efforts. Have you tried to negotiate a payoff amount that they will accept to consider the account paid in full? Good luck.

Answer 3

They will cash the check and then bill you for the balance. Writing "paid in full" on the check does not constitute a binding agreement and I'd be willing to bet you wouldn't win in court.

If you owe the money, then you owe the money.

Answer 4

I am sure people have tried it, but it does not work and does not get you out of paying the remaing balance. For it to be valid both parties would have to agree to the terms.

Answer 5

I doubt such an approach is legally sufficient even if they do cash it.

Answer 6

hahahahahahahaha
they sent the check back laughing