Quick help needed. Job on the line pending credit!

[Anonymous]

So I'm in the background process with a new company. They only have one red flag. I have an unpaid chase cc for $6k. I received a offer settlement a couple days ago from united recovery. Letter is dated jan 8. Great timing I thought. I called to accept their $1,200 offer. They tell me chase has recalled the debt, so I need to call chase. Now, the offer said it was good until jan 22. Today is jan 14. So that's conflicting. 

I call all chase and the best they'll do is settle for $3600. 

What options do I have? I have to do something in 5 days to get this new job. 

[Shokk]

Will Chase accept a payment plan?  Will this work for your employer?

[Anonymous]

Ouch. I would not be surprised if Chase has been sniffing around your reports and saw the employer pull.

I would contact the prospective employer and let them know that you are in serious settlement negotiations over this item. Feel them out on it.

[coffeegal]

My suggestion was going to be the same as SHOKK.  Out of curiousity, what type of position are you applying for?  Employers can't turn you down for a job simply because you have an outstanding debt (though there are exceptions).  I would say that a payment plan should be perfectly acceptable.  I would also be forthcoming and honest with your prospective employer.   

[Anonymous]

The thing thats so weird is in the letter says I have until jan 21 to pay recovery systems. So I call them and they say too bad, you have to call Chase. How did they write me a letter saying they were acting on behalf of Chase and make an offer. Then rescind it before their expiration date??? How's that OK? Do I have any legal ground to stand on here?

[RobertEG]

As their assigned rep, you may be able to hold the OC to the offer made by their agent, but that would involve legal action that you dont have time to pursue.

You could call the OC and assert that their offer is binding, as it was made while they had legitimate collection authority.

However, that could effect their current offer on the table.  I would not be too confrontational.

[Anonymous]

Pull your full credit files and see if Chase did a soft pull after the employer pull. You could then argue Chase is negotiating in bad faith by reneging on their agents offer after seeing an employer pull on your reports. Following this line would of course require the potential employer giving you some time and/or leeway to pursue it.

[Anonymous]

Update. New job was willing to accept my agreement that my intent is to pay it off. They will review my credit in 6 months to ensure that's it's been settled. I called an attorney (I have a legal plan so it's no additional cost to me). She advised that chase doesn't have a leg to stand on. The collection company clearly states that they are acting on behalf of chase and are offering me a settlement "in full" until jan 22 for $1200. When I call chase they want 3600 ( the full amount). Attorney says they are violating the fair debt collection act and they must honor their agents offer. I'm going to call chase again tomorrow. I'll give a report. 

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Update. New job was willing to accept my agreement that my intent is to pay it off. They will review my credit in 6 months to ensure that's it's been settled. I called an attorney (I have a legal plan so it's no additional cost to me). She advised that chase doesn't have a leg to stand on. The collection company clearly states that they are acting on behalf of chase and are offering me a settlement "in full" until jan 22 for $1200. When I call chase they want 3600 ( the full amount). Attorney says they are violating the fair debt collection act and they must honor their agents offer. I'm going to call chase again tomorrow. I'll give a report. 

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Congrats on the new job and moving forward on the Chase issue.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Congrats on the new job and moving forward on the Chase issue.

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Thanks! I'm going to cut 20 minutes off my commute, get paid more, have less stress, and work less hours! Doing essentially the same job I do now.