I am attempting to clear my debts and am having difficulty with collection agencies offering a settlement but refusing to verify in writing. Their refusal is dragging out the process. I have read on this site that I should receive their offer in writing prior to making payments. These people want to debit my checking account before they'll consider issuing written confirmation. I refuse to allow any of them access to my account. The letters they are sending are actual balances, although their phone calls promise a percentage of the balance, they just won't send confirmation of the lesser amount. Any suggestions? I want to get these things paid ASAP. Thanks.
Are any of these collection agencies by chance NCO? Anyway, do not give them your account number (or your debit card number as one such collector demanded to me)-that would open yourself up for a world of trouble you do not want. I would also send them a certified letter saying that per the Federal Debt Collection Practicies Act (as well as any relevant state laws) that calling is inconvienient, especially if you are at work since you are not allowed calls at work and that all further communication should be done in writing. What has worked for me (so far) is also letting them know that failure to comply will result in notifiying the FTC, their attorney general, my attorney general, and the BBC. Make sure you have them sign for it as well when you mail it on one of those green return signature cards the post office has. This will be your proof of mailing should you need it. Should you decide to settle with any in the future (when you get it in writing) insist on using a cashier's check (won't have your account number).
Don't send anything until you can send everything and close it out. The reason they are saying send us a percentage without sending any agreement is that they don't want that to be the final payment you think you are sending. As soon as they get it, they'll say thank you, now send us some more (and repeat as often as they can). Agreement? what agreement? Remember, an oral agreement isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
