Debt Collector
Date: Tue, 07/17/2012 - 00:08
Hello,
The other day I received a call from a company called Stephens and Micheals Associates.
I have a 4 year old Verizon Wireless debt of somewhere around $500. This company contacted me saying if I pay them $150 dollars by a certain date they will not pursue the full amount. The thing that kind of made me reluctant was that they kept asking for a credit card number over the phone. I told them I would have to give them a call back. Now I have done some research and the company is not BBB accredited, there's tons of complains against the company, and although it is not BBB accredited it is shown on their site with a "C" rating.
I know the debt is genuine but I am kind of concerned about the company. Should I just take their word and pay the debt over the phone for the smaller amount, or should I request some kind of validation or alternate form of payment? As I said I do know the debt is mine, but I don't have any proof that this company holds the debt. They also have a website where you can pay online and it emails you a receipt. I want to pay the debt, but this is my first time dealing with this situation and I want to make sure I go about this the right way.
The other day I received a call from a company called Stephens and Micheals Associates.
I have a 4 year old Verizon Wireless debt of somewhere around $500. This company contacted me saying if I pay them $150 dollars by a certain date they will not pursue the full amount. The thing that kind of made me reluctant was that they kept asking for a credit card number over the phone. I told them I would have to give them a call back. Now I have done some research and the company is not BBB accredited, there's tons of complains against the company, and although it is not BBB accredited it is shown on their site with a "C" rating.
I know the debt is genuine but I am kind of concerned about the company. Should I just take their word and pay the debt over the phone for the smaller amount, or should I request some kind of validation or alternate form of payment? As I said I do know the debt is mine, but I don't have any proof that this company holds the debt. They also have a website where you can pay online and it emails you a receipt. I want to pay the debt, but this is my first time dealing with this situation and I want to make sure I go about this the right way.
To be accreditited by the BBB, the CA would have to buy a member
To be accreditited by the BBB, the CA would have to buy a membership. So being accredited means very little. It is likely purchasing a blue star.
Have you sent a DV letter??
