Do CA's handle phone bills differently per FCC?

[buddynblue]

What is the name of your state? California
I have an old debt from Pac-Bell, now SBC, that has gone to collections and has doubled with late payment charges. I tried to settle with the CA for the original amount, but they tell me FCC regulations say they cant settle on a phone bill. My question is, as a CA, are they governed by the same laws as the phone co? Thank you in advance for any information.

 

[Tired_of_trying]

okay, they cant settle (supposedly). WHAT are the charges which doubled the account for? Are you taking to a collection agency ( more than likely "in-house) or the original creditor?

 

[buddynblue]

Tired: They told me they are an outside agency which purchased the account from pacbell. the original debt is $447, which is what I'm trying to offer them. the late payment charges are $356, accumulated at 1.5%/month. So what I need to know is, if they are not affiliated with the phone co, why cant they settle? Would they lie about that?
Thanks.

 

[Tired_of_trying]

NO,, I don't think they will lie about it.

That is a lot of interest to rack up at 1.5% monthly, it must be way past the point of the phone co taking it back and dealing with you.

Tell them you will make payments of 50 dollars a month , if you can afford that, but do not do electronic checks or automatic withdrawals, period. Tell them you will mail them a monry order the 16th of every month or a date and amount convienient and possible for you. I am jusy offering a suggestion is all, from my own past experiences.