Debtconsolidationcare.com - the USA consumer forum

sent settlement letter, now getting calls again!

Date: Tue, 02/06/2007 - 15:04

Submitted by BklynCatLady
on Tue, 02/06/2007 - 15:04

Posts: 19 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 18


Ok, so I sent a letter proposing a settlement. I sent it to NCO who is handling the account for Amex (I called Amex and they said all my correspondence would need to be with NCO).

In my letter I said:

Please respond in writing to my mailing address. I am formally requesting that all correspondence take place via US Mail.

Since then the collection rep I have been dealing with has called my home and cell phone. Yesterday left a message on each, and today left a message on my cell phone.
In her message today she confirmed they received my letter (I haven't gotten the receipt back yet) and she said "I just need to know how you're handling this, please call me back"

My settlement letter was VERY CLEAR on the terms of my proposed settlement. I realize my C&D was not so clear in this letter and could have been clearer.

What would be a good next step for me here?


Keep a follow up on the phone. If you are writing another letter, mention one more point that after the account is paid, they will remove their reporting from your credit report. I am not sure whether NCO will do it, but if they are willing to remove the negative remark from your CR, get it in writing before sending your money.

I have not heard good things about NCO. Make sure they have you file from Amex. You must have a written track of everything in case there is something to dispute later.


lrhall41

Submitted by fatb88 on Tue, 02/06/2007 - 16:06

( Posts: 218 | Credits: )


NCO's not the worst collection agency in the world, but they're pretty far down on the list. Absolutely document everything that they say and do as well as all correspondence that you send to them. It's best not to work with them at all if you can avoid it.

Unfortunately, they are not legally required to comply if you tell them to communicate with you only in writing and not by telephone -- a "cease communication" notice, under the fdcpa, is an all-or-nothing matter. On the up side, of course, you are under no obligation to answer your phone, either; you can just funnel them to your answering machine, in which case everything they say to you is obviously recorded and available for your future use if necessary.


lrhall41

Submitted by Debt Padawan on Sun, 02/11/2007 - 05:07

( Posts: 89 | Credits: )


i have had a letter from nco as well they claimed i owe for some dvd for 11.00 then added a 40 dollor collection fee.. i sent a dv letter and disputed it and never heard from them again


lrhall41

Submitted by perry968 on Sun, 02/11/2007 - 09:02

( Posts: 234 | Credits: )


hey thanks for the info about about the law. my NCO pal only called for two days, and left messages which I kept, and hasn't called since. I am now awaiting their response, which I expect in writing soon.

i have to say, I initially wasn't answering the phone at all BUT when she didn't reach me in their initial attempts to make contact (back when all this started) she started looking up old addresses and wound up calling my MOM. I was mortified. She didn't tell my mom anything, just kept asking mom for my contact info which mom wouldn't give. I couldn't believe it! I haven't lived with my parents for 10 years.


lrhall41

Submitted by BklynCatLady on Sun, 02/11/2007 - 10:17

( Posts: 19 | Credits: )


What is the rule for an original creditor trying to locate a person? I had a IPDL not the CA, but the original creditor contact my supervisor and gave her my whole financial information. I am appalled!!! What is the rule, since I was told the fdcpa rules do not apply to original creditor.


lrhall41

Submitted by lrhall41 on Sun, 02/11/2007 - 16:10

( Posts: 245 | Credits: )


That is what I figured. This guy called my supervisor and told her how I am not paying my bills, that I made arragements with them and I stopped payment on the "check", etc. It was very embarassing. I didn't want my supervisor and the whole office to know about it. I can not afford an attorney to go after them, but thought that there might have been a law or something they might have been breaking.
Thanks for your comments.


lrhall41

Submitted by lrhall41 on Sun, 02/11/2007 - 18:02

( Posts: 245 | Credits: )


You might be able to find a lawyer on naca.net who will take your case without charging up front. State laws can give you claims along with common law causes of action such as invasion of privacy. If you have good state laws and case law on your side, you will probably find a lawyer willing to take a case like this on a contingency basis. Good luck.


lrhall41

Submitted by texaslawyer on Sun, 02/11/2007 - 20:03

( Posts: 258 | Credits: )


I just want to throw something out there on the issue of ceasing certain types of communications. It is the debtor's right to cease ALL communications. If you invoke that right to cease certain types of communications such as phone calls, the collector has three choices. Keep calling and risk committing violations because there may not be clear case law on this exact point, stop all communications/not get paid, or communicate in writing only in attempts to get paid. Because they want to collect without risking legal action, most will communicate in writing only. (Of course they can always choose to file suit against you, which is why I never recommend sending a full c & d letter while a debt is within the statute of limitations.)

It makes sense that you can choose to waive certain rights, such as receiving written communications. This would be in line with the ability to waive the protections of 15 USC 1692c(a) &(b)by direct prior consent. Direct prior consent can be used to waive any one or more of those protections.

So the safest action for a debt collector who receives a letter stating "cease all calls, communicate in writing only" would be to read this as cease all communications letter with direct prior consent for further written communications.

My two cents.


lrhall41

Submitted by texaslawyer on Mon, 02/12/2007 - 17:50

( Posts: 258 | Credits: )