CA says they can't take checks

That is VERY odd and totally ridculous! First, I would NEVER send a CA one of my personal checks-that gives them access to my account number, offer them a money order, if they won't accept it, it's their problem. Another thing, when you make this offer get it in writing they won't accept it! Send them a letter with the offer certified return receipt requested, keep a copy of the letter you sent and a copy of the green receipt they sign, then you will have proof in court they refused a payment, IF they do.

Total BS. They dont want to take checks is more the case.

More like: they only WANT to take it out of your bank account. As in they say when and how much and too bad for your if they overdraw or screw up your bank account.

I would do as Shazzers says and see what happens.

Rule of thumb, never, never, never give a CA your banking information, as in routing/ABA number and account number. That is just asking for trouble.

Never, ever!

If your bank offers online bill payment, you could always send them a payment that way. If the bill pay issues a check, it does not have your own personal routing/ABA and account number on it. Plus you can usually print copies of the front and back of the checks, once they clear, so you have proof the CA cashed it.

who is the bottomfeeder this time?

Boy, is that ever a load of BS! I'm with Paul, I'd like to know who this CA is. Sounds almost like the tactics of NES.

The CA is central credit services. I did pay off a debt from them about a year ago and did give them the information, I now know that was stupid. At the time, I had a lot going on and did not even think about, was just wanting to get it paid, but later thought it was weird. This was also before I found this fourm and learned about all these different things with CA's.

I got another letter from them, saying they are trying to collect on a different debt, but that is when I was thinking about this. I will be closing out my account on Friday and opening up a new one some place else just to be on the safe side, as they probably still have all that information, since my only income is disability and child support I don't want to take a chance as I am also disputing the new debt. To their credit, not sure how much credit you can actually give a CA, they did send me a letter saying the other account had been paid off.

You can get a prepaid credit card and give them that number. That way they would not be able to withdraw more than you authorize.

Well, if they didn't wreck your bank account in the past and they actually provided you a PIF letter (as so many CA's don't or won't) then maybe they are one of the rare "gems" in the CA industry. Of course, their refusal to take checks still has me scratching my head.

I forgot about the prepaid credit card too, like ChrysHenderson suggested. But don't those cost extra in fees to activate and "load" with money?

Yes, but it issues a Receipt which is very important....

Shazzers gave great advice, I was just mentioning that option. :)

You can get a one time only gift card at a grocery store for around $5 which is still cheaper than the Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested.... They have them is $25, $50, and $100.

Yes, and it really might be worth the extra expense up front, in order to avoid the expense and headache of a CA wreaking havoc on your bank account. It's a shame people have to go to such lengths in order to protect themselves, especially when they are trying to do the right thing and take care of their outstanding debts.