PFD Acceptance via Email? - Need advice!

[Anonymous]

I have an old debt that's past the SOL on my report for $146, the ca is Lamont, Hanley and Assoc.  I sent them an email this afternoon using a PFD template letter I found on this site.  My first response I got back was that they would verify the debt.  I sent a response asking whether or not that meant they were refusing my offer of settlement.

The second reply was the following:

"f you wish to call and process the payment over the phone with our office today in the spirit of good customer service I will remove this item from your report. Payment must be made via a credit card so we can process with immediate confirmation. I will not send you the agreement you requested below, but will have this removed."

Should I call and make the payment?  Is this good enough 'in writing' proof of a PFD agreement or could she accept my payment and leave it on my report?  A little advice to a newbie please!  

[Anonymous]

I'm a newbie too, but in my personal experience, they may not remove it. They told me on the phone that they would, and six months later it was still there.

[Anonymous]

Never ever accept a 'promise' over the phone.  I used to be a call center manager for a collection agency.  Many of these people are just over minimum wage employees with little training that get commission for whatever collections they can 'score.'  

They are usually held harmless by saying whatever, and management will frequently turn a blind eye if they make a promise they know they cant keep.  

As such, these representatives will frequently say whatever they know you want to hear in order to make a few extra bucks.  

Never accept a promise from a CA without it being put in writing first. 

[Anonymous]

IMO never contact a CA by email. Everything in writing!!! We have no proof that an email will be accept in court as a paper trail.

You want the exact wording and a persons siggy!