Hey all, quick question.
I have a collection agency after me for a very small amount - ~$140. It's so low that I'm really willing to pay it off, but since the red mark is already on my credit report, I want something back. In other words, a pay for delete.
Now, about a year ago, I asked for verification of the debt. They sent it. I then sent a letter asking for PFD. They never replied to it. About 4 months later, out of the blue, I get a letter stating that they 'have the account and to keep my current standing' I should pay it off. So, I send a second letter. Again, no reply. Two months later, I send a third letter. They never replied to that either.
They're not harassing, they never call. I called ONCE and asked for the person handling my account and got sent to VM. They never called back.
My options, as I see them are -
One, ignore it. I believe that after 7 years, it's statue of limitations or some such.
Two, call them up and pay it, ignoring the PFD.
Three, write the credit report agencies with my proof of sending letters and ask that the record be taken off.
Four, take THEM to small claims court to get it taken off.
Obviously, some options are better than others.. since they're NOT communicating, is there any other options orn thoughts?
No response after inquiries
Hi foxmichaels,
Welcome to this community :)
One, ignore it. I believe that after 7 years, it's statue of limitations or some such.
If you ignore it, they can sue you or even if they don't sue you or this small amount, they can hand it over to another collection agency. This can hurt your score all the more. Thus, it is better to pay it off. You can try to talk to them over the phone about the "Pay for delete".
write the credit report agencies with my proof of sending letters and ask that the record be taken off.
You can try that. Sometimes filing a dispute removes the negatives.
Four, take THEM to small claims court to get it taken off.
There is no such rule which mentions that the collection agency will have to answer to your PFD letter. Thus, there's no need to go to court about this. If this debt is legal, the collection agnecy has the right to report about it.
Thanks,
Aaron
No response after several inquiries?
Hey, Thanks for the answer..
Regarding the first point and the last - I should have stated better that they're not answering ANY of my contact attempts, in writing or on the phone.
There HAS to be something in place to protect me from them just 'sitting' on it to gain interest while I'm TRYING to get it paid? Or am I at their whimsy? :)
no response
Hi foxmichaels,
Are you sure that this debt is valid? I mean did you try debt validation with the collection agency? If you want to pay the debt, you can get a payment agreement in writing, which will mention that the account will be reported as "Paid" after the debt gets paid off.
Thanks,
Aaron