Hi,
I need a little advice. LHR, Inc. is collecting for the original creditor, Juniper Bank. This is a legitimate debt, however, I sent them a debt validation letter because the balance on the debt more than doubled ($800 - $1750) in just 6 months time from first missed payment to charge-off. They responded back about 10 days later with a very soft tone in their letter stating that they would offer settlement in the amount of $850.00 and if I couldn't pay that now, I could pay whatever I could afford each month until balance is paid. Should I wait until they properly validate the debt? or, should I start monthly payments I can afford? I can't afford to pay $850.00 settlement right now.

What should I do?

Thanks!

Any payment before validation would basically tell them that you acknowledge and affirm that it's your debt. Make them prove it,then settle.

Pay your original creditor only. But first ask your self :

date original date incurred
date of original default

check you Statute of Limitation on the above questions.

You may feel emotionally that you owe this debt ,but according to the law you may not.

Troll-spew deleted. - Uncle Wulf

Guest, we know who the real "LOWLIFE" is don't we?

I would wait for validation also. This way you are absolutely positve that you owe them and you will be sure as to why the debt doubled. Also, everything should be done in writing, no verbal agreements.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

and if I couldn't pay that now, I could pay whatever I could afford each month until balance is paid.

After rereading your post, I thought this statement was a little weird. Usually, a collector wants you to pay a certain amount each month. What happens when you can't afford anything - do you not need to pay that month??? It just is too broad and when working with a collection agency, broad is not good. Wait for validation.

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They called us for a "Time Barred" Debt, they pay 2 cents on the dollar for a debt that is outdated. We only had to call them back 6 times in a row before they finally took us off their list. Avoid the manager he has too much time on his hands. Just call the little people. Once they realize you will NEVER pay they will gladly take you off of thier list.

I didnt see anyone mention this yet, but they just broke federal law with that letter they sent you. You sent them a DV letter, and if I am understanding you right, after they received it they sent you a settlement offer? Federal law--the FDCPA--requires them to stop ALL collection attempts once they get your DV letter, until they can properly answer your DV letter.

I would consider sending them another letter, again informing them that you are demanding validation of the debt. I would include a copy of the first DV letter you sent them as well as a copy of proof that they received it. ALWAYS send DV letters by certified mail return receipt, so you can prove that they got it. Then, I would go on to say that they are now in violation of the fdcpa, because they ignored your first DV request by sending a settlement offer when they know they are required to stop all collection efforts....and any further FDCPA violations will result in you taking legal action against them.

That was the first thing I noticed when I read this thread....FDCPA violation. Hopefully the OP sent the DV letter CMRRR.

But, was the DV timely? Within 30 days of the initial dunning letter? If the DV was untimely, then response with a settlement offer would not be a violation. Irrelevant now I think since the OP posted this last year. That's the problem when you ressurrect dead threads.

Hello, I'm currently dealing with LHR,Inc myself. What happened to us was they sent us a letter, just a normal they have the account... then they called my husband at work, he called them back from home said he couldn't get calls at work, etc.. We fired off a dv letter to them the next day, we got the receipt back but didn't hear anything for 2 months then we get a letter from a law office in our state that they are now representing LHR. We ended up making payment arrangements had sent in 3 payments to the law office and guess what they filed suit against us! Anyway we are denying because the amount they are wanting is not taking off the $150 we have already paid them. I'd stay on top of these people. Our debt was cc from First National Bank and it is for $900.

I just received a call from LHR for a debit that was from 1993 and was written off in a bankruptcy in 1999.
I don't want to send them too much information, but I need these guys to stop calling on a 17 year old debit which was filed on a bankruptcy 10 years ago!

Tell them to get bent. Send them a cease-and-desist letter, cmrrr.

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The four 'no's of dealing with collectors:
No validation? No payment. No way! No kidding!!

Tellin' you all the zomby troof
Here I'm is, the zomby woof
[Frank Zappa, 1988 - R.I.P.]