I live in Los Angeles California and have been receiving debt collection letters for a debt to Dell Financial for almost two years. Based on the most recent letter from the fifth collection agency who claims to be an attorney, I wonder how likely they are to sue or file a judgement against me for an $1800 debt. Can anyone tell me what the liklihood is based on the brief history below?
January, 2009, collection letter from company #1 (IC System Inc) was received for a Dell debt for $1800.
June, 2009, collection letter from company #2 (Encore Receivable Management) was received for same amount.
September, 2009, collection letter from company #3 (Mann Bracken LLP) was received for same amount, this company self identifies as Attorneys in the practice of debt collection.
May, 2010, collection letter from company #4 (NCO Financial Systems Inc) was received for same amount. Then a 2nd letter was received in June, 2010 from them stating that they'd forward the debt to an attorney licensed in my jurisdiction who will review it to determine whether or not to initiate a lawsuit to collect the balance.
July, 2010, letter from company #5 (Patenaude & Felix, a professional law corporation in San Diego County) for same amount, who self identifies as a Law Office was received saying the debt has been assigned to the firm to initiate collection efforts.
I responded with certified mail to the first four collectors using a standard letter I obtained from a debt collection attorney to cease and desist phone calls etc.. each one has worked so far. I have not yet responded to the fifth collector/attorney yet. If anyone has solid advice on whether or not they think I will be sued for $1800 and why or why not, please reply. Should I obtain a lawyer?
Thank you!!
law firm or collection agency
Hi papasmama,
First of all can you tell as to why are you not trying to pay off this debt? Are you into any kind of financial problem? When was the last payment made on this account?
As for
I wonder how likely they are to sue or file a judgement against me for an $1800 debt. Can anyone tell me what the liklihood is based on the brief history below?
Yes, they can definitely sue you if they want (provided the debt is within the Statute of Limitations [SOL]). It is your luck that the previous agencies did not sue you!!! If you legally owe a debt to somebody, you cannot send cease and desist letter.
Thanks,
Aaron