Question about dealing with a debt collection agency

[nn2000]

I had a debt of $600 from a hospital bill. A debt collection agency received the new debt last month and sent me a bill for $600 plus $15 interest. I replied, filled the credit card number in their form, told them that I authorized Them to charge $600. If they don't want to waive the interest, then show me how they calculate the interest.
I havent heard from them for two weeks. Today I just got a new bill from them. They didn't charge my credit card. They didn't show me the interest calculation, or reveal their interest rate or anything. But the bill jumped from $615 to $650. An increment of $45 for interest. Is it legal?

I replied them by mail two weeks ago and obtained certified mail stub copy from usps. I am in California, the agency is in Nevada.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Everything I hear about debt collection agencies is a nightmare. They'll take the money, but they'll still insist that you owe more, you'll never get rid of them completely I'm afraid.

Document everything, and be prepared to need a lawyer. Collection agencies are borderline criminal.

 

[pcgeek11]

Not Borderline, Just Criminal.

 

[NetGuySC]

Im surprised that they did not accept your $600 and just pass the remaining $15 to another debt collector. I have read that this happens often when people negotiate a lower payoff with a debt collector only to have the remaining balance sold to another collector and not have all the details in writing. You may want to check with the hospital to see if it's possible to just pay them.

 

[WilliamM2]

I've never had to deal with a collection agency, but I am damn sure I would never give one my credit card info.

 

[highland145]

Im surprised that they did not accept your $600 and just pass the remaining $15 to another debt collector. I have read that this happens often when people negotiate a lower payoff with a debt collector only to have the remaining balance sold to another collector and not have all the details in writing. You may want to check with the hospital to see if it's possible to just pay them.

I've seem 3 trade lines on a credit report for the same medical. So 3 hits on your credit. Yep, call the original hospital. 2nd, annualcreditreport.com, 1 free report from the 3 agencies each year. Dispute anything that's derogatory.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

I had a debt of $600 from a hospital bill. A debt collection agency received the new debt last month and sent me a bill for $600 plus $15 interest. I replied, filled the credit card number in their form, told them that I authorized Them to charge $600. If they don't want to waive the interest, then show me how they calculate the interest.
I havent heard from them for two weeks. Today I just got a new bill from them. They didn't charge my credit card. They didn't show me the interest calculation, or reveal their interest rate or anything. But the bill jumped from $615 to $650. An increment of $45 for interest. Is it legal?

I replied them by mail two weeks ago and obtained certified mail stub copy from usps. I am in California, the agency is in Nevada.

The FIRST thing you do when you receive ANYTHING from a debt collector is (Repeat after me): "I dispute this alleged debt. Please validate."

That's it. DO NOT reply with ANYTHING else until you receive something else other than a bullshit letter.

 

[inachu]

There was a 48 hours on creditors who who are abusive and and such a few years ago and you have a legal right to only deal with the first party no matter how often they sell your debit account to third parties.

Just be honest with your payments.

I got away with my payments because when a company like BALLYS TOTAL FITNESS makes a commercial then that TV commercial become part of the contract that induced you to buy their product. If they do not live up to their part of the bargain lets say.... If you get a friend to join then the next month payment is free and if they demand payment next month then they broke the contract not you. Then you are free and clear of any money owed.

 

[Safeway]

Or you can, you know, pay your fucking debts on time so you don't have to continue being a totally irresponsible asshole and attempt to avoid interest on your fucking debt. You asshole. Take responsibility for your fucking actions and stop playing games. People like you are toxic to the system.



We allow profanity in the social forums, (OT P&N) but not excessive profanity.

Dial it back.

And really, you need to attack the guy that came here asking a question?


esquared
Anandtech Forum Director


Edit: Yes, I am attacking the guy that finally decided to pay what he legally owed to a first party, refused to pay, now legally owes to a debt collector, and decided, again, to refuse to pay in full. He expects special treatment? From one post, I can gather enough information to identify this guy as what he is.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Or you can, you know, pay your fucking debts on time so you don't have to continue being a totally irresponsible asshole and attempt to avoid interest on your fucking debt. You asshole. Take responsibility for your fucking actions and stop playing games. People like you are toxic to the system.



We allow profanity in the social forums, (OT P&N) but not excessive profanity.

Dial it back.

And really, you need to attack the guy that came here asking a question?


esquared
Anandtech Forum Director

Jesus fuck man. You REALLY need to learn a few things in life.

I have gotten incorrect billings numerous times when it comes to medical bills. They incorrectly send it to my medical insurance, my medical insurance says they wont cover that (basically fix it and resend it), they then send me a full bill and tell me that my medical insurance doesn't cover it and I need to pay it in full.

That has happened TONS of times for me. It's sickening.

 

[Rakehellion]

I had a debt of $600 from a hospital bill. A debt collection agency received the new debt last month and sent me a bill for $600 plus $15 interest. I replied, filled the credit card number in their form, told them that I authorized Them to charge $600. If they don't want to waive the interest, then show me how they calculate the interest.
I havent heard from them for two weeks. Today I just got a new bill from them. They didn't charge my credit card. They didn't show me the interest calculation, or reveal their interest rate or anything. But the bill jumped from $615 to $650. An increment of $45 for interest. Is it legal?

I replied them by mail two weeks ago and obtained certified mail stub copy from usps. I am in California, the agency is in Nevada.

Call them on the phone, ask them to send a written statement that if you pay X amount, they'll remove the item from your credit report.

 

[Safeway]

Jesus fuck man. You REALLY need to learn a few things in life.

I have gotten incorrect billings numerous times when it comes to medical bills. They incorrectly send it to my medical insurance, my medical insurance says they wont cover that (basically fix it and resend it), they then send me a full bill and tell me that my medical insurance doesn't cover it and I need to pay it in full.

That has happened TONS of times for me. It's sickening.

He said nothing that even hints that this is not his debt and that this is not owed. His first sentence says that he owes $600. It is implied that he didn't pay it and that the debt was turned over to a collector, who tacked on a mere $15 interest. He, again, decided to say screw you to his financial obligations and tried to save a few bucks. Guess what. It didn't work. He now owes $650.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

He said nothing that even hints that this is not his debt and that this is not owed. His first sentence says that he owes $600. It is implied that he didn't pay it and that the debt was turned over to a collector, who tacked on a mere $15 interest. He, again, decided to say screw you to his financial obligations and tried to save a few bucks. Guess what. It didn't work. He now owes $650.

Just because a debt collection agency puts numbers on a paper doesn't mean it's owed. First rule of thumb people need to realize to stop getting pushed around.

 

[Safeway]

Just because a debt collection agency puts numbers on a paper doesn't mean it's owed. First rule of thumb people need to realize to stop getting pushed around.

I know how this works. I've represented a family member, pro bono, against a debt collection agency after his mother passed and he was the independent administrator of the estate. Long story short, it was his brother's debt, and not his. This story is not similar. He needs to stop trying to play games and pay the damn debt. This is a $50 lesson learned.

 

[Safeway]

By the way, this is the same guy that parked in a commercial loading zone, saw the parking enforcement officer behind his car writing him a ticket, got into his car and sped away from the scene, received a $200 ticket in the mail, and posted to ATOT for advice on how to get out of the ticket.

He has a history of attempting to scumbag his way out of financial obligations.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Send them a check for $600 with a note saying that's all you're willing to pay. Quit dodging your bills next time.

 

[HeXen]

He said nothing that even hints that this is not his debt and that this is not owed. His first sentence says that he owes $600. It is implied that he didn't pay it and that the debt was turned over to a collector, who tacked on a mere $15 interest. He, again, decided to say screw you to his financial obligations and tried to save a few bucks. Guess what. It didn't work. He now owes $650.

Easy there Sgt Slaughter. What if he didn't have the $600? You can't pay what you don't possess. There are an infinite amount of variables that effect ones ability to fulfill financial obligations on time. Maybe that medical bill was rather sudden or unforeseen. Maybe he had to get his car fixed first. Maybe he had to put his dog down. Maybe he had to pay your mom....point is, anyone can get into sudden debt without ability to immediately pay up. No reason to be a douchebag about it and attack the guy because it won't make any difference and trying to be a hard ass over the definition of financial obligation is arrogant.

 

[Safeway]

Easy there Sgt Slaughter. What if he didn't have the $600? You can't pay what you don't possess. There are an infinite amount of variables that effect ones ability to fulfill financial obligations on time. Maybe that medical bill was rather sudden or unforeseen. Maybe he had to get his car fixed first. Maybe he had to put his dog down. Maybe he had to pay your mom....point is, anyone can get into sudden debt without ability to immediately pay up. No reason to be a douchebag about it and attack the guy because it won't make any difference and trying to be a hard ass over the definition of financial obligation is arrogant.

I understand that things can pop up.

He decided that he could afford to pay his debts like a good citizen, but then decided to pinch pennies and pay only a portion of what was owed. What, do late fees not exist? He was, again, slouching on his responsibilities and, this time, it cost him an additional $35. He needs to send in a check for $650 and stop dicking around.

This guy has a history of making mistakes and trying to dodge the financial repercussions.

 

[LikeLinus]

I understand that things can pop up.

He decided that he could afford to pay his debts like a good citizen, but then decided to pinch pennies and pay only a portion of what was owed. What, do late fees not exist? He was, again, slouching on his responsibilities and, this time, it cost him an additional $35. He needs to send in a check for $650 and stop dicking around.

This guy has a history of making mistakes and trying to dodge the financial repercussions.

Show us on the doll where Daddy touched you.

 

[lupi]

If you're just paying back, not sure exactly WTF you are doing dealing with some agency anyway, just pay whom you owe the bill to.

 

[futurefields]

Tell them to come get their money, and you'll be waiting for them when with your Smith & Wesson.

 

[Safeway]

Show us on the doll where Daddy touched you.

That's right. Defend this conduct.

 

[smackababy]

First off, don't be a bum. Pay your debts.

Second, dispute it. It will take a written form, but do it.

Thirdly, if they prove it is your debt (or you know it is yours and are willing to pay) have them send you, in writing on their letterhead, the exact amount you can pay in a lump sum to be free of the debt. Document this and keep a copy of the check you use to pay.

6 or so months after you've paid, dispute the debt again. If they don't just drop it off your report, wait another 6-8 months and try it again. Eventually, they will just ignore the request because it was paid and then it will be removed from your report.

Lastly, stop being a bum and pay your debts. 99% of creditors will work with your to pay it off before sending it to a collection agency.

 

[PingviN]

You sent them your credit card information?

Wtf, America?

 

[John Connor]

Just got done paying a huge bill off. Took six years. I never sent them a credit card number, check or that crap. Always got a money order.