Paying off debt collectors - get debt clearance in writing first?

**JQP** · 06-16-2012, 04:56 PM

I have a small (<200) debt with AT&T Uverse business internet. They sent it to a collections company (Bay Area Credit Service LLC) with astounding speed. Anyway, I just got a letter from BACS and I want to pay this off now, but I'd like to know the right way to proceed. I remember Dave Ramsey saying on the radio to get it in writing from collectors that the payment will settle the debt before paying. Is that the case? I also have a small (<400) debt to a retail store CC that has gone to collections and I want to clear that up, too. Just looking for best practice here, I'm not tearing my hair out or anything. I'm going back to being debt-free once I get the checks sent out this week (daddy didn't raise a debtor). Poor, but debt-free.

TIA

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-16-2012, 06:23 PM

Yes, ask them to send the offer to settle for $X in writing. Keep all paperwork, including copies of what you send them. Keep your bank records showing that the check cleared.

We paid off debt collectors in '06 and haven't had any zombie hunters come knocking (fingers crossed).

**JQP** · 06-16-2012, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Contrary Housewife

Yes, ask them to send the offer to settle for $X in writing. Keep all paperwork, including copies of what you send them. Keep your bank records showing that the check cleared.

We paid off debt collectors in '06 and haven't had any zombie hunters come knocking (fingers crossed).

Well, I already have a letter from them saying what I owe, but it doesn't specifically say "this is the totality of the debt," "paying this will settle the entire thing," etc. It's more of the "please pay this debt you owe" type language.

I think I'm going to follow this strategy:

Tactics For Paying Off Debt Collections

Get the best deal I can over the phone on Monday, get them to send me the agreement in writing, then pay it.

**paigeknotts** · 06-27-2012, 09:05 PM

why nit go back to where your debt started and deal with them directly instead paying off a huge sum from collectors.

**Nadders11** · 06-27-2012, 11:21 PM

If the collections company bought the debt, it's no longer the original company's problem. Therefore they won't deal with it, they'll say it was sent to collections.

**baronmom** · 06-28-2012, 07:19 AM

That is not true. I have had original debt holders work with me better then collection agencies. I had one where I was told one thing by the collection agency, paid them money, then they wanted more. My husband called the original debt holder and they were more than willing to get it straight. I will never pay a collection agency any money again.