Time between lateness and referral to collections...

[MissWadadli]

Hello,

I am trying to determine what (If any) guidelines / laws exist regarding the time between first deliquency and referral to a collection agency?  My BF has an account with Sprint, and was referred to a collection agency within 60 days of first deliquency.  We are trying to determine his options, as he has called and was told to pay the bill, and then he could have his lawyer work with the collection agency to get it off his credit report.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated...Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I do not know that there are any written guidelines.  Pretty sure it is at the creditors option.

Can he deal with Sprint directly?  If he can pay them have them recall the account from the CA.  After it is paid, wait a few weeks then send a DV letter to the CA.

Why would he need an attorney to get it removed?

[MissWadadli]

Thank you for your assistance!  Your suggestion is the option we tried, but the young lady said that Sprint couldn't (didn't have the capability) to recall, so that everything would have to be performed at the CA level, as opposed to within Sprint.  as for the attorney...good question!  :-) I didn't understand the need for this either. 

The only other things I can think of is to try again with a supervisor / manager, or just pay it and do the three year wait again.  Any other options available?

[Anonymous]

Are you just talking to a CSR at Sprint?

I would go into a store and tell them you have an outstanding balance you need to pay.  See what happens.

The only way Sprint could not recall the account is if they do not own it any longer.