This is a long story, but I'll try to give just the highlights... I am in debt hell right now. I have 5 small credit cards (under $500 balances) 3 of which are charged off in collections and 2 are late, I have 2 personal loans that are 30-45 days late and a mortgage which is not late and a car which is not late. Due to unfortunate circumstances with my job, my husband's job and the fact that I just had a baby, I don't see myself climbing out of this hole, I just see myself getting deeper and deeper into trouble. Here are my questions... I have been offered a settlement with one collection issue to settle for less than the balance - is that a bad thing to do? AND the collector that I've been dealing with to clear this up even told me that once it is paid, I can write a dispute letter and since it is paid and disposed of there will be no way to verify it therefore it will be removed - is this true? The other account in collections I was speaking the collector at the CA and he said he'd talk to a spvsor and call me back the next day to work out a payment plan. I waited by the phone when he said he'd call and no call... in the mean time after asking him not to speak to anyone but me about it and after giving him my cell # and telling him NOT to call me on any other number he not only called my husband's number which I asked him not to, but he also disclosed all the info on the debt and it's my debt not my husbands! It's in my name only. The FTC and the Atty Gen's office both told me that under the FDCPA that is not legal and said I can file a complaint and even sue. Is it worth it for me to do that? Finally, due to the difficulty I am currently in and the fact that I am slipping deeper and deeper into debt and there is more $$ going out right now than there is coming in (nevermind the fact that my credit score is completely F'd already) It was suggested to me by not only the FTC, but also the Atty Gen's office that I seek help through CCCS - they both gave me a contact number (the same one) but I need to know... why does everyone say CCCS is so bad when organizations like the FTC and the Atty Gen's office suggest reaching out to them? If someone out there is kind enough to give me some advice I'd greatly appreciate it. I know I screwed up and I'm paying for it now (poor career decision making and putting too much on credit cards )The stress I'm under over bills has caused me to get an ulcer and it's completely consuming my every waking moment. I can't even relax enough to enjoy my little girls which is sad. I need to be able to breath again, I just don't know what to do. Thanks.
I can't answer ya other stuff, but I can say this: I wish you'd get EVERYTHING in writing, cause collection agencies lie lie lie...and when they are sleeping, they're still lying. You needs to protect yerself, and one way to do that is with letters. Remeber, if ya pay them less, you're gonna have 'settled for less than balance owed', or 'settlement accepted'. I can guess right now you ain't caring too much about that, but that can bite yer in the buttocks later if ya can't get rid of it. And, why the heck can't they remove it when ya pay it? Why make ya write, dispute it, and then it'll get deleted? If they put it there, they can remove it there...now. WOW collection agencies lie, and they'll do anything to separate you from yer wallet. I want ya to be careful, cause you don't need to do nothin now that'll get you frustrated later...ya know? I wish ya luck, and I hope others answer the rest of your questions
"AND the collector that I've been dealing with to clear this up even told me that once it is paid, I can write a dispute letter and since it is paid and disposed of there will be no way to verify it therefore it will be removed - is this true?" You can write a dispute letter, that is true. But if the CA verifies it, it stays. They only need their own electronic records to verify. And when it doesn't happen the way he said, that's too bad! He never actually promised to remove it! If they are reporting accurately, what are you going to do?
