topic Re: Please Advice on Collection Account. in Rebuilding Your Credit

Please Advice on Collection Account.

Bop — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:41:44 GMT

I have a collection account which just posted on my Credit report. It is a medical bill for $63 dollar. I called the collection agency and asked them for PDF, but the agency wouldn’t agree on PDF.

Should I pay off the collection or keep asking for PDF until they change their mind? Is there any legal ground on PDF that it is my right to ask for PDF and they have to agree to give me PDF ?

Please advise!

Message Edited by Bop on 05-03-2008 10:41 AM

Re: Please Advice on Collection Account.

llecs — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:57:28 GMT

DV the CA first! You always want to do this, even if you know the debt as yours, so you can give them the opportunity to tell you in writing how much is owed and for what. Some states will require you to DV prior to answering a summons for a judgment if sued.

They probably don't accept because it is medical and they probably don't own it.

So, send the DV first.

A PFD or Pay for Delete does not have to be answered. A CA has no legal obligation to accept a PFD.

Another option, outside the CA, is to contact the OC. Talk to the medical facility and offer a PFD to them. They likely have the power to retract the CA from collections and your report. Some have had success by being less formal and contacting the OC over the phone.

Lastly, never talk to a CA over the phone. Ever. They likely recorded anything you said and that could be used against you. It is also easy to get frustrated while talking to a CA. Finally, their word is not their bond.

Re: Please Advice on Collection Account.

Anonymous — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:42:14 GMT

As the previous poster said, I would work with the original creditor first. Failing that, I would be a pest to the CA until they agree to a PFD.

Re: Please Advice on Collection Account.

Anonymous — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:57:10 GMT

Also, I'd google "whychat's hipaa" and read through it.