I received a letter from a collection agency stating that I owe them ~$400. The name of the original creditor (or perhaps that's who they bought it from) is listed, but I don't recognize the name. I checked my credit report, and there is a debt listed as charged off for a similar amount, but not from the other company listed. The debt is less than a year old. I actually think it might be from a dr w/ a specialty practice not covered by our insurance. MH was having some kidney issues toward the beginning of the year, and instead of consulting our insurance, just googled something and went. The info on my credit report lists a name and the results do mention a kidney specialist. When I click on the link, it takes me to a site that makes me feel a little hesitant about the validity. I do realize the validity of this person as a dr or whatever he might be doesn't matter if MH used his services and the bill wasn't paid.
My question is, should I send a debt validation letter to the collection agency? I found a template that lists the things I want validated (like a copy of the bill and a signature promising to pay) but isn't overly pushy. It does say that pursuant to the FDCPA the claim is disputed and validation is requested, but does it in a "softer" tone (if that makes sense) basically saying "hey, you sent me this letter and I am not real certain what it is, so prove to me that I owe you money." Many templates cite the actual statute and I thought that seemed a little harsh.
Question 2: this is the wording at the end of the letter: I have asked for this information because I have some questions. I need to hear from you to make an informed decision about your claim that I owe this money. I am open to communicating with you for this purpose and future payments should the debt be validated. In order to make sure that I am not put at any disadvantage, in the meantime please treat this debt as being in dispute and under discussion between us.
In addition to providing the information requested above, please let me know whether you are prepared to accept less than the balance you are claiming is owed. If so, please tell me in writing your offer with the amount you will accept to fully resolve the account.
Should I include a paragraph asking for a lesser amount? It sort of feels like I am saying that I don't believe them, but you know, throw some numbers out at me anyway type of thing.
Really, I am asking because if we do owe this (and I am sure we probably do) then I will pay it, but I don't want them to get my letter and threaten to sue me or something.
Experience or thoughts? Would it be easier to just pay them?
I would send the first part of the letter as is. If you verify the debt then I would ask if they will accept a reduced payment. I have never done this so I am far from an expert.
Post by imojoebunny on Oct 23, 2014 19:48:18 GMT -5
Look at Clark Howard's website. He has some legit and good letters for these situations. I have used some and never heard another word (they were not legit charges).
I would start with the provider who will tell you what the balance was and if you still owe it. If you do, ask the collections agency for the debt to be reduced by 30% but typically once it's in collections, my experience has been that 20% is the most they can reduce.
ETA: my experience was in personal injury, so medical bills. You can tell them a sob story but generally if you're nice they will reduce to get the account settled and off their desk