DV question
Date: Tue, 02/03/2009 - 08:08
Anyway they had one amount $497 I think if i remember correctly, it's at home, orginal bill was $349. I sent them and thanked them for sending me the DV that I requested however it still didn't tell me how they came up to $497.
Well never heard anything, now amost a month later, I get a letter last Saturday from a Collection Lawyer (and yes, i know their legit,.. it's actually a local office). I do plan on paying the orginal doctor.. later this month like 50/month.. is only thing I can possibly afford right now, and even that is a stretch right now since i'm also paying back the IRS 150 a month. The lawyers actually wrote in their that I failed to communicate with the collection agency (which is actually untrue).
So, what would you do? Yes, I owe the bill. But the collection agency failed to property DV the bill, then had the gull to automatically send it to a collection lawyer, when I questioned how they came up w/ $497 vs what the doctor had as of $349.
Should I go back to their lawyers and tell them the collection agency failed to properly validate the debt?
i am not an expert in anyway but i know you will get the help yo
i am not an expert in anyway but i know you will get the help you need here. what exactly did they send you when they validated? Could the difference between $497 and $349 be because it is late? Do you have any proof you were in communication with the collectors?
Yes, I faxed them a Dv letter, they just sent me a two page stat
Yes, I faxed them a Dv letter, they just sent me a two page statement billing statement that actually SAYS $349, at the bottom. Other than the intial collection notice I haven't heard anything. As stated, I did fax them a thank you for sending me the billing statment but added "however, the amount owed which shows on page 2 of the billing shows $349 and you list $497 and have failed to validate how you came up to $497.
Ok send them a new DV letter, but send it certified mail return
Ok send them a new DV letter, but send it certified mail return receipt. Also send a copy to the lawyer as well. In it explain you faxed a letter before and confirmed that what you owe was $349. They have NOT however, explained how they came up with the sum of $497 that their own paperwork even contradicts them. Until the time they can adequately explain the increased balance, this account is in dispute.
Now, since this was a DR. office there is no 'late fee' or 'collection fee' I have never seen any DR. paperwork that says such a thing, with medical bills you owe what the statement says, nothing more.
If they acknowledge that and try to collect the amount you do owe, then offer them a payment plan you can afford and make sure you get it in writing and stick to it. If they try to strong arm you into a higher payment, tel them you will pay nothing and also note that if it goes to court, the judge will take your financial situation into consideration and you would more then likely have to make monthly payments much lower then what you are now offering.
goldenbast, even if in the letter from the collection lawyers st
goldenbast, even if in the letter from the collection lawyers state the correct amount?
That's where i'm a tad bit confused.. the collection lawyers do actually state the correct amount. I guess i'm just miffed why they even bothered sending it to the collection lawyers without even validating why they were trying to charge me more then the Dr's office bill was.
They do it to intimidate you. In the letter to the lawyer expla
They do it to intimidate you. In the letter to the lawyer explain that the collection agency was trying to charge you more then the actual amount and you justly disputed said amount. Tell them you are more then happy to set up a payment arrangement, but that you want it in writing and that it needs to reflect the correct amount.