I am one of the many people who made the mistake of financing a computer through Dell Financial. I believe the original purchase amount was roughly $650. I made payments for about a year, paying around $300 (yes, I missed a few payments). Then my life pretty much imploded and I became the sole supporter of my household (young autistic son included). Then I missed a lot of payments. This was not a choice or a refusal to pay per se, but that I simply didn't (and still don't) have the money to pay. So now it's 3 years later, and I owe DFS $1700 (so roughly $1400 in fees and interest on a $600 purchase. I have tried several times (with different collections agencies) to work out some kind of payment plan, but what I can pay and what they will accept never agree (they usually tell me that I have to provide a large downpayment- usually $300 or more- in order to set up a payment plan). I have called legitimate credit counseling places (CCCS, others) and after an hour long consultation, they determined that they couldn't even help me because my income and my household expenses (basic expenses, rent, heat, etc- nothing unneccesary) didn't allow enough room for them to help me with a payment plan. Now, a new collection agency is calling me, being overly rude and hostile, even though I remain completely honest and respectful (except for one that went WAY over the line and I did tell her to **** off. She told me that she didn't care if my son had food- Dell needed their money more than he needed food.). I am not dodging the debt- I actually want to pay for what I bought from Dell, but by refusing to work with my financial numbers, they have pretty much made it impossible for me to even start. So- my question (and I have one!) is this- is there any way that I can ask for them to just take this matter to court? My credit is already ruined*, so that is not the issue. I would like to see this come before a court, because I hope that any judge looking into my finances would be able to set forth a realistic payment plan, which is what DFS seems to be refusing/unable to do. Can I file to have this debt examined in probate? Thanks for any help.....
I believe it was Portfolio (?) that called me last night. I listened and talked (again, respectfully and honestly) for about 10 minutes until the woman started talking AT me in an (unwarranted) hostile and attacking tone.
I wouldn't pay Portfolio Recovery Associates a cent. The reasons are many. I would dispute their tradeline on your credit reports and request from them directly proper validation of the account. They won't provide it and they will most likely verify inaccurate information within their account tradeline on your reports. At that point, I would consult a consumer attorney within your jurisdiction about instituting a civil action against them under the FDCPA and FCRA.
What the hell is with these loser collection agencies? After reading this and many other articles on collection agencies, i am more determined to not pay the scumbags who are currently pursuing my charged-off CC account. The government prosecuted the mafia because they engaged in these practices of loan-sharking and number rackets in the past. But now the Banks CC and mortgage companies use the same tactics along with the states, but now its legal. They just call it a credit card instead of loansharking and Lottery instead of number rackets.
I agree with apex. Don't send these scumbags a red cent. Send them a DV to include a limited C&D, CMRRR. It honestly sounds like DFS has charged-off the account and sold it.
