Hopefully someone can help me or give me some advice. I got myself way behind on my Citibank credit card about 2 years ago after my husband lost his job and I was only working partime. I finally dealt with their in house credit dept and set up a payment plan on a settled amount (less then what I owed.) The person I dealt with informed me that my debt would be "settled" and reported that way on my credit after the last payment was made. Silly me, actually thought that people did what they said. (This is the first time I had to deal with collectors) Two months after my last payment was made I received a letter from a new collection agency who is now saying that I owe them the difference of the initial debt minus what I paid Citibank over the 18 months. I received an initial letter outlining my payment schedule with Citibank, which I no longer have after a water flood in my basement. So, besides knowing who I spoke to and the dates and what my payment history was I really have nothing on paper. I realize now that I should have gotten more on paper and requested something after I made my last payment as well. Again, I spoke to the same man and wrote down almost every word he said and did not realize this could even happen. So, do I have any options besides starting all over with this new company? I was so hoping this was behind me as I am swimming in tons of debt and are trying to get out! Thanks for any insight!
Really sorry this has happened to you, but it's not uncommon. For everyone else- this is yet another example of why it's so important to get any settlement in writing! And then make lots of copies! Since you have no proof of what was agreed to, you're in a difficult position. I'm curious- how does the debt currently show up on your credit reports? My first attempt would be to get in touch with Citi, possibly the same person or department, and actually try to find record of the settlement. If they have documentation of it, they may be willing to pull the account back from the CA because this was clearly an error on someone's part.
I am working on trying to reach the person that I dealt with at the collections dept. at Citibank directly. I actually need to check my credit report since I haven't in a while to see how it was reported. I have used up my free credit report for the time being. Is there somewhere that is the best place to check your credit and not pay a ton, or how is the best way to do that. I did send a certified letter to the new CA disputing the debt and asking for validation and also telling them to not contact me except through the mail. They are not only calling me, but my inlaws as well, which is great!
If you already used all your free pulls from annualcreditreport.com for the year, I would just sign up for one of the many free credit report trials, get your free reports, and then cancel before you get charged anything. Works every time...just make sure you don't forget to cancel!
