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I can say with 100% certainty, if you pay Portfolio recovery, they will automatically delete the collection.
It may take 30-45 days, but it will come off.
If the amount is small, it would be worth it just to pay it and be done with it. They had a company wide policy change 2 months or so ago which will remove them once paid.. This practice isn't really good in the eyes of the CRA's, so I would expect at some point it could change back to the old policy of no PFD. I would get that one done sooner rather than later.
I believe your ability to negotiate is dependent on whether or not the collections are within or past the statute of limitations. If past I think you should be able to get it down to 40-45% of the balance. However, if the debt is still within the SOL this might be too low. I posted a response on another thread a few weeks ago, much of which is relevant to your situation so, I've pasted it below. Hopefully it helps.
I have a little experience with them as I recently negotiated a PFD with Portfolio Recovery (for 40% of the balance). Here are my thoughts:
Other comments:
Negotiating with PRA def works. It wasn't simple they didn't want to budge after 60%, the customer service rep put me on the phone with her supervisor, then that supervisor transferred me to his supervisor. Finally settled upon 41%. But I had to pay that day and they stated the settlement would only be valid for one day. Usually, I would take that statement as bull sh** but I was on the phone for almost an hour an worked the number down. My opinion is if you want to settle for below 50% don't expect them to agree to a payment plan. Have the money ready to pay the settlement amount in full.
I was very polite, the entire time to them although I was very straightforward and stood my ground. Informed them I willing to pay a specific amount, and they can take it or leave it. Consistently enforcing the fact of them legally not being able to call or send me letters, therefore this is there only chance to get their money. Take it or leave it mentality.
I did settle for less then full and the accounts were deleted.
@Anonymous wrote:Consistently enforcing the fact of them legally not being able to call or send me letters, therefore this is there only chance to get their money.
With a cease and desist in place that could be a good tactic with some CAs. Good for you standing your ground.