Lawfirm debt collection letter

[scrapqueen]

What is the name of your state? Alabama

In September I received a collections letter for a lawfirm in a nearby city for a debt that I owe to a hospital. I had been trying to get the money together to pay this debt to the hospital. The letter also had a payment slip so I could indicate whether I am paying by check or credit card and how much. There was a telephone number listed to call for any questions. The number is long distance for me and I don't have long distance on my phone service. I sent them a letter stating that I knew the debt was valid and that I needed to go on a payment plan. I indicated how much I could afford each month. I also mentioned that I could not call them. A week or so later I received a call from them but was not home to take the call and a message was left on my answering machine saying that they would call back at another time. I never received another call from them. A couple of days ago I received another debt collection letter from them saying the same thing as the first letter. My question is should I write them another letter that basically is similar to my first letter and tell them I need to be on a payment plan and should I write them a check for the amount I said I could pay so they will know that I intend to pay the debt? I know that according to FTC law any amount that I pay toward a debt must be applied.

Thanks.

[Ladynred]

Since you've already communicated that you're willing to pay the debt, make up a payment plan based on what you can pay and send that too them. Make 2 copies, copies, 1 for them that you ask them to sign and return if they agree, and 1 for your records. Send it certified, RRR, so you know it was received. If they don't agree, they won't send back the signed agreement, they'll probably call again or send more letters.

Per the FDCPA, it is against the law for them to force you to incur charges to contact them, and calling them long distance would definitely do that. By the way, there's always 10-10-220, which I use for the few long distance calls I make and the cost is minimal. Just keep your communication in writing, it gives you a verfiable paper trail.

[stevek3]

Originally Posted by Ladynred

Since you've already communicated that you're willing to pay the debt, make up a payment plan based on what you can pay and send that too them. Make 2 copies, copies, 1 for them that you ask them to sign and return if they agree, and 1 for your records. Send it certified, RRR, so you know it was received. If they don't agree, they won't send back the signed agreement, they'll probably call again or send more letters.

Per the FDCPA, it is against the law for them to force you to incur charges to contact them, and calling them long distance would definitely do that. By the way, there's always 10-10-220, which I use for the few long distance calls I make and the cost is minimal. Just keep your communication in writing, it gives you a verfiable paper trail.

A $1.15 phone bill charge for a 20-second call is the bargain of the year.