Debt Collector threatening to void payoff

[Alanchart]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?Alabama

About 9 months ago I was contacted about a credit card debt I owed.At the time I wasn't aware of my rights and let them pressure me into paying more than I could really afford via bankdraft. I was okay until late November when the high payments finally caught up to me and I missed December and January's payments. Late January I called them and discussed the missed payments and in an attempt to resolve this I offered them a payoff which they accepted. Unfortunately I didn't get this in writing but I did record the conversation. About a week after sending them the payoff I got another call from them saying that I had another payment go back, a payment which we had previously discussed and at this time was over a month old. Now they are claiming I must pay this additional payment or they will keep the money I sent as a payoff and I will still owe the remaining balance. When I tried talking to them about it they threatened me with additional fees. At this time I was getting angry and politely told them I would see what I could do and hung up rather than get into a heated argument and say something I might regret. Do I have any legal recourse at this time or am I stuck with paying the rest of the debt? They have never denied that the payment I sent was a payoff. Can they keep it without accepting the payoff? The law firm I am dealing with is in New York.

 

[Ladynred]

What's the name of this 'law firm' ???

The problem is, you didn't get the settlement agreement in writing. They took your money and no matter what they supposedly agreed to, they will not honor it, they WILL continue to harrass you for the rest. Now that you gave them a lump sum, they think you're just hoarding money and will try to force your hand.

Never, ever make a 'deal' over the phone, especially will a collection agency, their primary purpose is to get money and they will LIE, LIE, LIE to get it !

 

[Alanchart]

Daniels & Norelli

 

[Ladynred]

Well, I looked them up, they ARE lawyers, but they are franchise dupes for Collect America - rent-a-lawyers for a rotten collection agency/junk debt buyer. Making lots of threats is their trademark.

However, they are in NY, you are in AL, so Daniels and Norelli isn't going to sue you.

You should read this.. from Bud Hibbs, a consumer-advocate:

http://www.budhibbs.com/Daniels & Norelli.htm

 

[Alanchart]

Debt collector refuses to put anything in writing

Alabama

Can I use there refusal to put anything in writing as grounds to not pay them any additional money?

 

[Ladynred]

No, but you can use their violations of the FDCPA as grounds to sue their butts !