Before paying a Collection Agency, how do I get them to put the offer in writing?

Question

One particular CA told me they could not put it in writing...now I'm sure this wasn't true, but here's my problem. Even if I ask for a Validation letter, that is going to state the original amount I owed. However, I would like to settle for less than that in a one-time payment. How is a validation letter going to help me out as far as proving that what I pay the CA will "pay it in full"? Don't I at some point have to just take their word for it that it is going to be paid in full? I'm confused. Please no rude remarks about not using credit cards blah blah blah. I'm only faced with this dilemma due to my daughter's medical issues 3 years ago that ruined me financially. I'm trying to climb back out of the hole. I'm not running up the debt, I just got behind and I'm trying to make the smartest moves to pay my debt off. thankyou.

Answer 1

One particular CA told me they could not put it in writing..
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Simple.....tell them no written agreement = no payment....If you pay a collection agency without a written agreement...they could turn around and sell the account to another collection agency (once they get your money) and the new collection agency could start the collection process all over again. Without a written agreement you would be unable to stop this.

1) Get a written agreement for the exact amount to be paid...This agreement should state that this account will be considered paid in full upon receipt of this amount

2) Once you get this agreement...pay them ONLY with a USPS money order....DO NOT under any circumstances give them your bank transit and checking account numbers to make an auto debit from your checking account....They'll take out way more than you authorize if you do this.

Answer 2

Simple. Insist on a written settlement agreement. You could write out the terms and send it to them certified mail, return receipt. At the bottom of the letter, put statement saying "as authorized agent for X collection agency, I agree to the above terms" with a line for signature and another line below for the persons printed name.

Never pay a collection agency unless you have the terms in writing. And do not give them access to your bank account -- no matter what they claim. If the person you're talking to says they can't put the offer in writing, ask for a supervisor.

Answer 3

Never ever believe a collection agent. Period.

If they are up front and honest, they will have absolutely no problem in putting their agreement in writing. Their reluctance to do so should be screaming a warning at you.

If you have reached an agreement with someone over the phone, then send them a letter outlining that agreement and tell them to send you a letter agreeing to those terms on their company letterhead.

Answer 4

They are trying to Bully you!! Don't stand for it. They don't want to put it in writing because they have every intention of Ripping You Off! Don't trust Anything they say! the next time they call tell them that your only going to deal with them thru the mail, and hang up the phone! BE TUFF!! Don't stay on the phone making idle chit chat and don't let them direct the conversation, you direct the conversation... by tell them over and over and over if you have to that you will ONLY deal with them thur the Mail. Then..... You ask the persons full name tell them you are writing it down and them inform them that they are harassing you and to Not call back ...by law they can't except there Crooks and they will try and call again, where you say please contact via mail, you are harassing me and hang up! Also and this is Important, anything you send them send it registered mail so they can't say they never received this or that.. your credit has already been affected so make sure you get a letter from them stating you have payed in full, don't trust them to contact the credit bureaus, they won't once they get there money there thru with you.. Your dealing with crooks don't for get that.. good luck