Should I Call??

I sent a validation letter to a CA that is only on my EX report on 5/20/2003 for a collection account for the original amount of $755, bal. as of 3/03 $1215. Date opened 11/2002, Reported since 2/2003. Last night they called my home telephone but didn't leave a message but then when I get to work this morning there was a message stating that a guy named Steven Parker has been given Settlement Authority on my account and the bal. of the account can be reduced but of course there are certain rules that apply, etc. Should I call back?? Or should I wait for the validation to not return because they are waiting for me to call back?

 

This is the validation letter that was sent:

Dear Sir or Madam:

Thank you for your recent inquiry. This is not a refusal to pay, but a notice that your claim is being disputed. This is a request for validation made pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Please complete and return the attached disclosure request form.

Be advised that I am not requesting a â??verificationâ? that you have my mailing address, I am requesting a â??validation;â? that is, competent evidence that I have some contractual obligation to pay you.

You should also be aware that sending unsubstantiated demands for payment through the United States Mail System might constitute mail fraud under federal and state law.

Your failure to satisfy this request within the requirements of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act will be construed as your absolute waiver of any and all claims against me.

Sincerely,




CREDITOR DISCLOSURE STATEMENT


1. Name and Address of Collector (assignee): _________________________________
2. Name and Address of Debtor: ___________________________________________
3. Account Number: ____________________________________________________
4. What are the terms of assignment for this account?
5. Have any insurance claims been made by any creditor or assignee regarding this
account? YES/NO
6. Has the purported balance of this account been used in any tax deduction claim?
YES/NO
7. Please list the particular products or services sold by the collector to the debtor and the
dollar amount of each:


Upon failure or refusal of collector to validate this collection action, collector agrees to waive all claims against the debtor named herein.

_____________________________________
Authorized Signature for Collector

___/____/____
Date

Please return this completed form and attach all assignment or other transfer agreements that would establish your right to collect this debt. Your claim cannot be considered if any portion of this form is not completed and returned with the required documents. This is a request for validation made pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If you do not respond as required by law, your claim will not be considered and you may be liable for damages for continued collection efforts.