Procollect

[tham928]

Hi everyone,

I've searched the forum before asking this question, but there are conflicting results and they are older threads.

Procollect is reporting for an old apartment debt of mine for 1800.00 the DOFD is 12/13. My States SOL is 3 years. I wondered if it makes sense to pay them or let it ride. Also, I'm willing to PIF but I would rather them do a PFD. This is what I'm having trouble finding.

Has anyone had success with a PFD for procollect? If so, did you send a PFD letter or call them? Before paying them, I'd send a DV first, but I'm wondering if it's even worth it if they won't PFD and it's a debt that's almost 4 years old.

My goal is to raise credit score and I know that wil only happen if the debt is erased completely. Thank you!

[IOBA]

The general advice is to never, ever talk to a CA on the phone.  Ever.  Or in person.  Ever.

Everything should be done in writing.  When you mail them the DV (which you certainly can) - send it CMRR (certified mail return receipt).  

Send a separate letter that states the only communication acceptable is through the mail.  (This way, there are no "alleged" phone calls where you "supposedly" agreed to xyz.)  Needs to be sent CMRR.

If you are going to skip the DV (which you certainly can), then go right to the settlement offer - PFD.  Request a reply in writing, in the mail.  You can include in this settlement offer that communication will only take place through the mail, not over the phone, not through email, and not in person.

Let us know what your experience is.

[Anonymous]

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@tham928 wrote:
Hi everyone,

I've searched the forum before asking this question, but there are conflicting results and they are older threads.

Procollect is reporting for an old apartment debt of mine for 1800.00 the DOFD is 12/13. My States SOL is 3 years. I wondered if it makes sense to pay them or let it ride. Also, I'm willing to PIF but I would rather them do a PFD. This is what I'm having trouble finding.

Has anyone had success with a PFD for procollect? If so, did you send a PFD letter or call them? Before paying them, I'd send a DV first, but I'm wondering if it's even worth it if they won't PFD and it's a debt that's almost 4 years old.

My goal is to raise credit score and I know that wil only happen if the debt is erased completely. Thank you!

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Back in my rebuilding days I always communicated on the phone but NEVER acknowledged owing the debt and always PIF, PFD or SETTLED with my credit card. I paid with my credit card because if they pulled anything other than what we agreed to I could dispute it with the CC company versus giving them bank account info.

There is nothing wrong with communication on the phone. I never experienced any problems. And I was dealing with some heavy hitters.

If you know the debt is yours then get it paid/settled which ever way you wish.

If a ever did communicate through snail mail for a DV, I never signed the letter.

[RobertEG]

A DV request has a timeliness requirement of 30-days from the date of their dunning notice.

Sending a DV years later imposes no cease collection bar on the debt collector, and they can choose to ignore it.

Even if your DV were timely, it may not be the way to go if the debt is legit.

Sending of a timely DV imposes a cease collection bar on the debt collector, which prevents them from entering into any negotiations on terms of payment, such as a settlement for less or a PFD, until they have first verified.  You will thus be in a state of limbo regarding payment of the debt other than simply sending the full amount.

If you are good at oral negotiations and dont admit to the validity of the debt, I would not refrain from calling the debt collector.

Your call.....