Question

I would say it depends on their computer system.

The CA's software usually work off of queues that schedule you for collection calls or letters. After the software generates the queues, then each collector simply pulls up each account in their queue and works it.

Over time, like 6 months ago, the software probably stopped scheduling you because there was no activity going on in your account. IE they placed your account on 'hold' to work some fresh accounts.

When you called to try settling, whoever you talked to no doubt made an entry in the collection notes that you called. Based on that entry, the queue might recognize activity on your account and schedule you for a collection follow-up.

This is just my experience; again every company uses different software. I wouldn't doubt, though, that the calls will start up again since they know you're still alive -- and they know you care somewhat about the debt or else you wouldn't have called them.

As for the settlement, is this a CA that bought your debt, or are they working for the original creditor? If the OC still owns it, you might try calling them to offer a settlement.

Or else try some sort of tactic - tell them you only have X amount of dollars right now and if they can't settle then you will use it to settle with one of your other creditors. They want your money, and if they think you won't pay anything then they might change their stance.

This was a Discover card debt that Zwicker and Associates is now working on. I have been told that they do not negotiate. And I have heard horror stories about them.

You can make payments to them (it's not like they are not going to accept it) if your not sure if they are entitled to collect on it send them a validation request. If you know that they are the company to be paid then go ahead and start sending payments in, but no more than you can afford as your life necessities need to come first.