Need Debt Collection Help!

[jpjohnson93]

I found out about an old debt via letter from a collection agency. I moved and did not receive the original correspondence from the original debtor.

After validating the amount, I contacted the original debtor (A university) and paid the full amount of the debt owed to the university immediately

Now, the debt collection agency tells me I must pay their fees of $1K (on a $3K debt). In my ignorance, I did admit to them that I paid the debt after getting their letter.

Do I have to pay these outrageous fees? FYI, the debt is in Alabama...And I am a Georgia resident. If I DO have to pay, can I negotiate this or just pay them a minimal amount per month without it damaging my credit history?

Thanks!

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by jpjohnson93

I found out about an old debt via letter from a collection agency. I moved and did not receive the original correspondence from the original debtor.

After validating the amount, I contacted the original debtor (A university) and paid the full amount of the debt owed to the university immediately

Now, the debt collection agency tells me I must pay their fees of $1K (on a $3K debt). In my ignorance, I did admit to them that I paid the debt after getting their letter.

Do I have to pay these outrageous fees? FYI, the debt is in Alabama...And I am a Georgia resident. If I DO have to pay, can I negotiate this or just pay them a minimal amount per month without it damaging my credit history?

Thanks!

**A: write requesting that they send you a letter referencing the section of the state law that requires you to pay them.

[debtcollector`]

Originally Posted by jpjohnson93

Do I have to pay these outrageous fees? FYI, the debt is in Alabama...And I am a Georgia resident. If I DO have to pay, can I negotiate this or just pay them a minimal amount per month without it damaging my credit history?

Thanks!

It depends on the contract you had with the university.