Please help!

[octavia]

Last week I received a CA letter from Nationwide Collection Agency for a medical bill.  I know it's mine; i don't dispute that.  I called the OC and they said to contact the CA.  I called the CA and they said i could pay a portion of the bill with them if i post date a check for a discounted amount.  I asked the rep if it will appear on my CR she stated "no" because I replied within 30 days.

The CA letter stated that they would work with me, as far as, it not being reported on my CR.

Should I believe them and just monitor my CR to make sure they don't report it to CRA?

[Anonymous]

Well my gut says not to trust the word of someone on the phone...why because I worked in a call center before I graduated college and I would hear my co workers tell customers things that were not true...and they knew it wasn't true...But for some they truly didn't know and the backlash is they were giving out wrong information.

I would have them send you something in writing stating if you work with them on making these payments that it will not show up on your credit report. That would be my suggestion.

Always get things in writing. That can't be disputed

[rizeninme]

I agree!

I personally would NEVER send a postdated check. You have no guarantee that the check will not be submitted early (I have seen this happen many times) and then you'll be stuck with bounced check fees on top of everything. And don't think for a second that the collection agency you have bounced the check to won't add their own fees and the employee you spoke to will either have forgotten or is no longer employed there.

Wait until you have the money and then pay.

[Anonymous]

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octavia wrote:

Last week I received a CA letter from Nationwide Collection Agency for a medical bill.  I know it's mine; i don't dispute that.  I called the OC and they said to contact the CA.  I called the CA and they said i could pay a portion of the bill with them if i post date a check for a discounted amount.  I asked the rep if it will appear on my CR she stated "no" because I replied within 30 days.

The CA letter stated that they would work with me, as far as, it not being reported on my CR.

Should I believe them and just monitor my CR to make sure they don't report it to CRA?

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You are definitely in a special situation.  If you think you can have the money by the time they are giving you to post date they check, request a DV in writing.  that will by you time.  If you do nothing in 30 days, they will report.  Usually within 30 days your credit report is safe.  I would send my DV request in writing (fax machines work as long as you notify that the fax return receipt will be considered proof of delivery) as well as a request for a promise not to report.  If you are really uncomfortable about the post dated check offer, let them knwo that you would be more than willing to submit the first part as per your post dated check agreement but and would happily submit a second check for the balance on that date.

You can quote law on the matter of post dated checks, which is simply that it doesn't matter what date you put o the check, it can be deposited at any time.  Let them know you would be more cmfortable submitting the second check on that date.

Again get everything in writing especially that non-report promise with your terms.