HELP! What to do with new collection for best outcome.

[sharpie]

I received a dunning letter in the mail today from a CA.  (ERSolutions).  Another CA had the account back in 2007.  I have heard nothing in all this time, but did sort of disappear from the radar.  I think this popped up because of a PFD I did with another CA. 

Anyway, I do NOT want this showing up on my CR.  It is with ERSolutions.  So, what do I do?  I do not have the money to PIF right now, probably could have by the 45 days they give me.  They offered me a settlement of 50% and the account stays closed, 100% and the account reopens.  I really need it reopened.  Not for credit reporting purposes, but because I need the account, so I would prefer to eventually PIF. It is not a revolving account and normally would not report anyplace at all, but is reporting because of being with a CA.

Do I wait until my 30 days to DV is almost up, or do I DV right away?  Do I DV at all?  Do I just hurry up and make payment arrangements?  The debt is mine, I do know that.

My main concern is that it not be reported.

Suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Have you tried to talk to the OC. 

[sharpie]

No, not in a long time.  Like over three years ago.  And I was probably avoiding them then.

This was not exactly in my plan for the next 6 months and it is a large amount.

The thing is, I also owe them another, even larger amount, so it almost might be advantageous to deal with the CA.  That is what I am thinking anyway?

Or maybe contact the OC and say something like "OK I owe you these two large amounts, can we set up a payment plan?"

?????

[Anonymous]

If I'm understanding correctly you owe the same OC two different amounts? Or do you owe the same CA two different amounts?

I say yes to trying to set up a payment arrangement with the OC to settle both outstanding amounts.

I would be a lot more cautious about rocking the boat with the CA. They can't be trusted and anything you do will have the effect of poking a sleeping black bear with a sharp stick, it might wake the monster and it might not. Too much of a gamble for my taste.

[sharpie]

Yes, two accounts with same OC.  One of them is with a CA that I got a letter from today.  The other is with a totally different CA that has not contacted me.

Acct #1 first went to GC Services who contacted me in 2007, then now to ERSolutions who contacted me today.

Acct #2 went to IC Systems who contacted me in 2006 one time, and I never received anything from anyone else on that one.

I cannot find a mailing address for the OC anyplace.  Only phone numbers and emails and I do NOT want to do either.

[Anonymous]

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@sharpie wrote:

Yes, two accounts with same OC.  One of them is with a CA that I got a letter from today.  The other is with a totally different CA that has not contacted me.

Acct #1 first went to GC Services who contacted me in 2007, then now to ERSolutions who contacted me today.

Acct #2 went to IC Systems who contacted me in 2006 one time, and I never received anything from anyone else on that one.

I cannot find a mailing address for the OC anyplace.  Only phone numbers and emails and I do NOT want to do either.

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Yes, I would contact the OC and see if they are willing to make payment arrangements.  You do not want to be sued.

You can call the OC.  It might come across as more personable and that you mean it.