@Anonymous wrote:I have an outstading bill from the hospital for 4,000. It got sent to a CA. About 9 months ago I called them trying to make arangements and the lady was so rude to me makeing all kinds of threats saying this would be on my report for twenty years, I could never own a home, my husband could lose his job and so forth. That is when I started reading up on credit issues. I soon after sent her a letter stating that due to her unprofessional demenor I would only like to communicate through the mail. I never heard from them again. Yesterday I get a summons because the hospital sued me for the amount. The court date is in two weeks. I emailed the attorney to see if we could settle the matter before then. This morning I get an email from the CA (from the lady who was so mean) Saying that if I want to settle the matter I will have to call her. I feel like if I write her a letter it will never get resolved over the next two weeks but I don't want to speak with her. Am I in any position to try to offer less money on the bill to settle it or to ask for a pay to delete? I feel like I'm being blackmailed. Thank you for any help or advise! (Sorry so long winded)
Hi Grace, welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear about your problem. One of the first things I would do is get an attorney. You can search for and interview one in your area at www.naca.net
You need to answer the summons. Were you "properly served"? I believe that means something different, depending upon where you live. In my state, the Sheriff, a PI or a Process Server has to serve you the papers. You need to show up in court as well.
The next thing that I would do is DV the CA CMRRR. You also need to make and keep careful records of your communication with everyone. It sounds like the CA is out of line. There are laws to what they can and cannot say in order to collect a debt.
Who's reporting on your CR? Again, sorry this happened to you. Please get on the atty ASAP. In fact, all of the things that I have outlined should be done today. Others will chime in with more suggestions as well.
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Hi Grace, welcome to the forum! 
There is a wealth of information here, and many knowledgeable people here to help you get credit healthy.
Firstly I want you to know, you are not alone! Many of us have experienced exactly what you are experiencing now. Take a slow, deep cleansing breath. We will help you sort this mess out. I suggest no contact at all, until you've talked to us in detail about it.
Secondly, NEVER talk to a collection agency on the phone. never. All correspondence should be in writing. And quite often CMRRR(certified mail, return receipt requested) is needed.
Now then, we need to determine several things:
1.) who actually owns the account? The hospital or the collection agency?(this is important, as it determines the best course of action for you)
2.) how old is the original bill? is it past the SOL(statute of limitations)?
3.) Are you POSITIVE the bill is actually yours? I mean without a doubt?
4.) How is it showing on your Credit Report? If you've not pulled your CR you should do so immediately, and see which CRA(credit reporting agency is reporting it.
As you can see, we have our own little language for abbreviating things as much as possible to cut down on typing. Look in the 'sticky threads' at top of page in orange and find "Guide to Common Abbreviations" and print it for future reference. You'll be looking a lot of stuff up until you become accustomed at our lingo.
I'm sure others will chime in shortly with their thoughts.
There is a wealth of information here, and many knowledgeable people here to help you get credit healthy.
Firstly I want you to know, you are not alone! Many of us have experienced exactly what you are experiencing now. Take a slow, deep cleansing breath. We will help you sort this mess out. I suggest no contact at all, until you've talked to us in detail about it.
Secondly, NEVER talk to a collection agency on the phone. never. All correspondence should be in writing. And quite often CMRRR(certified mail, return receipt requested) is needed.
Now then, we need to determine several things:
1.) who actually owns the account? The hospital or the collection agency?(this is important, as it determines the best course of action for you)
2.) how old is the original bill? is it past the SOL(statute of limitations)?
3.) Are you POSITIVE the bill is actually yours? I mean without a doubt?
4.) How is it showing on your Credit Report? If you've not pulled your CR you should do so immediately, and see which CRA(credit reporting agency is reporting it.
As you can see, we have our own little language for abbreviating things as much as possible to cut down on typing. Look in the 'sticky threads' at top of page in orange and find "Guide to Common Abbreviations" and print it for future reference. You'll be looking a lot of stuff up until you become accustomed at our lingo.
I'm sure others will chime in shortly with their thoughts.
Court date is in two weeks. If she is going to fill out papers, she had better get down to the courthouse in person and fill them out today.
Starting Score: 469
Current Score: 819
Goal Score: 850
Highest Scores: EQ 850 EX 849 TU 850
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge
Starting Score: 469Current Score: 819
Goal Score: 850
Highest Scores: EQ 850 EX 849 TU 850
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge