Medical Collection - Contacted CA - Any experience doing this?

[Tons_of_Debt]

I did not DV the CA... I sent the PFD letter (see below) and told them if they didn't respond within 10 days I *would* DV.  I spoke with a woman on the phone (I know, I know, I learned from this not to talk to them on the phone) who told me they were sending validation (though I never requested it)

Agh, did I ruin my chances?  I sent pre-HIPAA letter to 3 CRAs just now... I hope I didn't waste the money to do so. :-(  Very worried!!!

This letter is to inform you that the validity of this debt is disputed. I am not sure of the account number, as I have never heard from you regarding this account. The account number I have is the one listed on my Trans Union credit report – which omits the last few digits.

In the spirit of compromise, I am willing to pay this account IN FULL if you agree to immediate deletion of this account from any and all credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The purpose of this settlement is merely to have this item removed from my credit files. It is not to be construed as an acknowledgment of liability for this debt in any form.

If you agree to the terms and accept this agreement, certified funds for the settlement amount of four hundred forty-eight dollars ($448.00) will be sent to XXX in exchange for full deletion of ALL references regarding this account from my credit files and full satisfaction of the debt.

Collection Agency agrees to delete ALL information regarding this account from the credit reporting agencies WITHIN TEN CALENDAR (10) DAYS following receipt of payment as specified above and will not discuss the terms of this settlement with anyone, excluding your client on this account. If contacted by any third party, including credit-reporting agencies, Collection Agency will not acknowledge that any settlement offer was made, accepted or executed and will, in fact, deny knowledge of any such account.

If you agree to the above terms, please prepare a letter on your company letterhead explicity agreeing to the same terms as the above settlement offer and have it signed by an authorized representative of Collection Agency. It will be implied that this letter shall constitute a legally binding contract, enforceable under the laws of my state.

Your response must be postmarked no later than 15 days from your receipt of this settlement offer or this offer will be withdrawn and I will request full validation of this alleged debt, as provided for by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Please address all correspondence regarding this account to:

[Tons_of_Debt]

Does anyone have experience contacting the CA first (by mistake) and still having the OC remove the debt?

[fused]

IMO, you do not lose protection under HIPAA by DVing or requesting a PFD, others disagree. Happy and I will discuss this once she's back online.