Advice on collections

[tabathadolley]

What is the name of your state? Texas

Back in December of 2003 I stopped paying Cingular, and I just received a letter from Nationwide Recovery Systems to collect 855.17(after fees and all - original debt was maybe 400 dollars ). I would like to pay this in full as I do owe it, but I lost my job last October and have been looking since then for a new job. I could make payments, or settle for much less(300 maybe). I would like to avoid talking to them on phone at all costs, and prefer talking via mail. What should I send them? Should I wait since they just aquired this debt? I'm lost and would love some advice. Thanks!

 

[cmorris]

Send a debt validation letter, certified mail return receipt. Ask for proper validation, an accounting of the debt, and proof they are the ones to collect. Include a clause to only contact you by mail.

If and when they provide you with this, send another letter, certified mail, return receipt. Ask for a settlement and/or payment plan. Keep doing this until something satisfactory happens. Just make sure they can't sell any of the unpaid balance.