Verizon Wireless Collections - Need Help!

[Anonymous]

I have a collections for Verizon Wireless (cell phone) that started reporting a few months ago and need your guys help! Yes the debt is mines.

- I do not have enough money to PIF

- I was sent the standard settlement letter for half the amount 2 months ago FROM Verizon Wireless (I can pay the settlement amount)

-The phone number and address showing up on my CR is from Verizon Wireless.

-I live in NY

Does Verizon Wireless collect their own debt?

Below is exactly how it's appearing on my Equifax report from Myfico. What's my game plan?

Account Owner: Individual Account.

Type of Account : Open

Date Opened: 08/2008

Date Reported: 07/2011

Balance: $ 1,153

Amount Past Due: $ 1,153

Date of First Delinquency: 06/2009

Date Major Delinquency First Reported: 06/2010

Date Closed: Type of Loan: Telecommunication/Cellular

Comments: Collection account

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[IOBA]

DId they send you a final bill?   A settlement offer?

[Anonymous]

I received a settlement offer...

[IOBA]

At this point, Verizon may still own the debt.

If you can pay the settlement offer amount, then I would suggest doing so.   Send a copy of the settlement letter with your payment.   Keep the original, along with a copy of your payment, at home in a safe place.    

Also, send the payment CMRR.   Put both receipts with the settlement offer and payment.

[Anonymous]

Do you think a PFD is a viable option?

[cdtotten]

A PFD may be possible if you offer the full amount. They are being generous offering a 50% settlement to start. Never hurts to try, but don't bite the hand that feeds you and piss them off or they could revoke the settlement offer.

[Anonymous]

In most cases to even consider a PFD the company is going to want payment in full at once and not on a payment plan. You could try calling Verizon's collection department at whatever contact info is on your settlement offer and attempting deletion at the settlement amount but I would not hold out a lot of hope. I have no personal experience with Verizon collections so I don't know how hard or easy they are to work with.

It would be in your best interest in either case to work with Verizon as the OC before they turn it to outside collections and you end up with both Verizon and a CA on your credit report.

[IOBA]

Agreed.    If you aren't going to offer the full amount, don't ask for a PFD.   From Verizon's point of view, they have been asking you for the money for almost three years now.

My suggestion is do the settlement letter.   Then send GW letters.   You can search this site for other threads about Verizon.   From what I remember, they don't delete.