My charged-off Chase account is now in the hands of these jerks. I'm trying to get a "pay for deletion" from them, but after reading the info on Bud Hibbs site...I'm a little worried. If anyone has ever dealt w/ them, could you give me some advice on what works? Also, should I write a letter to Chase explaining that I want to pay, but the CA is making it difficult? Would that help any? Sorry for all the questions...I just want to make sure I do this right.
Have you tried to call Chase and tell them you want to settle but will settle with them only? Another option is to validate with the CA and use the TILA in your correspondence requesting an accounting of the balance. They may send it back to Chase at that point and then you could settle with Chase. However, if Chase sold the account you will have no choice but to deal with the CA. Is it being reported by Chase or the collection agency?
Chase manhatten apparently uses collect america. I had a chargeoff that they bought. They are very difficult to deal with. Collect America is a network of lawyers and such. My account was maintained by Cambece law firm. Very confusing, first collect america had it listed on report, but cambece was who I paid. I did negotiate with the firm and made payments for deletion. They are once again very difficult. How much is the balance? What does it say on your report? Find out if Chase still has it, but if collect america has it they probabley don't. My quess would be if chase owns it that you could settle out for much cheaper than the new CA will. Request validation and document the trail, build a case. Good luck. Most of all avoid the CA if you can..
I tried to validate a 3-year-old chargeoff with them, got no response and just sent an estoppel letter. I haven't heard a peep. They haven't answered me and haven't listed my account as disputed. I was doing a search here to see if they're even in business anymore. Are you sure they're really lawyers? I've heard that lots of collection agencies are "law firms."
Collect America is like a collection franchise for lawyers who apparently can't make it as real law firms.
