S
SKM
Guest
What is the name of your state? New York City
I had a credit card with Citibank that was charged off in March 2002. I was then contacted by a collection agency, but I refused to deal with them (they're so mean!) and instead have been making monthly payments to the creditor all this time. Two weeks ago I got a summons & complaint in the mail from collection lawyers representing Citibank, saying that I owed a balance of $1443 plus 20% attorney's fees of $274. The ironic thing is that I borrowed money from family/friends and paid the $1443 a few days before I received the summons. I have the personal checks cashed by Citibank to prove this.
I called Citibank to get the whole thing dismissed and have them send me a settlement letter, but they told me that at this point I had to deal with their lawyers. I called the lawyer's office this morning and told them that I had already paid the balance to Citibank and that I want to pay the remaining fees to avoid going to court. But they told me that I now owe them $401 (instead of $274). Apparently, there were court fees, interest, etc. that have been added since the summons has been issued. I asked them to send me a letter, saying that if I pay the $401 that my account would be settled and the suit will be dismissed. The person I spoke to said that she won't send me such a letter and that it's all outlined in the summons.
I'm a little skeptical about paying that amount without proper documentation. After I make my payment, they could come back saying that I owe more! What steps do you think I should take next? I'm thinking about sending a certified letter saying that I'm willing to pay the $401 to settle the suit out of court, but I will need a letter from them with the exact balance. Does this sound reasonable? In the meantime, I'm planning on answering the summons denying their claims. If we end up going to pre-arbitration, can more fees be added?
Thanks in advance for any/all help!
I had a credit card with Citibank that was charged off in March 2002. I was then contacted by a collection agency, but I refused to deal with them (they're so mean!) and instead have been making monthly payments to the creditor all this time. Two weeks ago I got a summons & complaint in the mail from collection lawyers representing Citibank, saying that I owed a balance of $1443 plus 20% attorney's fees of $274. The ironic thing is that I borrowed money from family/friends and paid the $1443 a few days before I received the summons. I have the personal checks cashed by Citibank to prove this.
I called Citibank to get the whole thing dismissed and have them send me a settlement letter, but they told me that at this point I had to deal with their lawyers. I called the lawyer's office this morning and told them that I had already paid the balance to Citibank and that I want to pay the remaining fees to avoid going to court. But they told me that I now owe them $401 (instead of $274). Apparently, there were court fees, interest, etc. that have been added since the summons has been issued. I asked them to send me a letter, saying that if I pay the $401 that my account would be settled and the suit will be dismissed. The person I spoke to said that she won't send me such a letter and that it's all outlined in the summons.
I'm a little skeptical about paying that amount without proper documentation. After I make my payment, they could come back saying that I owe more! What steps do you think I should take next? I'm thinking about sending a certified letter saying that I'm willing to pay the $401 to settle the suit out of court, but I will need a letter from them with the exact balance. Does this sound reasonable? In the meantime, I'm planning on answering the summons denying their claims. If we end up going to pre-arbitration, can more fees be added?
Thanks in advance for any/all help!