21 and trying to get out... help

[Doorothie]

I'm 21, engaged, and have absolutely no property of my own. The only debt I have is from a hospital visit without insurance in 07. The radiology and doctor bills (roughly $700 each) have been turned over to collection companies. I've been avoiding these calls for the last year and a half, but I promised my fiance I would be debt free by the time we got married. So I answered one company, and told them that if they would send me a bill in the mail, that I would send them a check. I am not at all comfortable with paying over the phone or online. I expressed this to them, they understood, and said they would send me a bill next week. I answered the other company, who insisted on obtaining a "valid reason" why I would not pay over the phone. I expressed my desire to have everything in paper, and the security of my account, and that I could not trust that they were who they said they were. The representative that I spoke with continued to press, so I told her that another company had absolutely no trouble doing this for me. The woman again said that I would need to give her some kind of payment over the phone today. I informed the woman that without a paper bill, I would not pay. The representative said something to the effect of "then these calls will continue" and hung up on me.

My question is, is it unreasonable for me to be asking for a paper bill? I mean what I say, that if they send it, I will pay them. I truly am not comfortable giving out my checking account number and routing number or my debit card number over the phone or online. What are my options at this point??

I appreciate any input. Thank you.

[irmanator]

I believe that if you ask they have to send it to you. I wouldn't pay over the phone either. Also in NY they have to give you proof it is a valid debt, within 30 days of your request or they can't bill you on it. (I could be wrong, but it doesn't hurt to look into it)

[kork13]

You need to immediately write them a letter stating three things: First, request verification of the debt. They are required by law to provide this verification within 30 days or they must completely cease pursuing the debt collection. Second, request that they stop contacting you regarding the collection. Again, they are required by law to respect your written request. Finally, state in your letter that if the collection agency does not comply with your request to cease communication with you regarding the debt, you will report their company to the Federal Trade Commission for violations under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Keep a copy, and send the letter by certified mail (this will give you evidence of your notification). If they keep calling you, follow through and report them.

If/when they send you a verification letter showing the debt that is owed, get a cashier's check from a local bank (normally just $5-$7, and the company cannot claim they can't accept it--a cashier's check is guaranteed by the issuing bank) for the amount owed. Send it and a letter stating that the payment is to pay the debt in full. You may want to include a copy of their verification letter. Again, keep a copy of everything and mail it by certified mail.

For your reference, you should read through the FDCPA (mentioned above): Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

[maat55]

How must collectors verify a debt and who is supposed to mail the verification to me?

SITUATION:
I received a computerized form called an "itemized statement of services rendered" from a collector. Upon closer examination, the form appeared to be from the collector's own computer rather than from the creditor that provided the services (I'm familiar with their invoices). I called the original creditor and discovered that only phone verification was provided to the collector, no written documents were ever requested.

Section 809(b) "Validation of the debt" requires debt collectors to obtain verification of the debt from the creditor and mail it to the consumer.

The principal purpose of this section is to help consumers who have been mis-identified by the debt collector or who dispute the amount of the debt. It's imperative that verification of the identity of a consumer and the amount of the debt be obtained directly from the creditor. Mere itemization of what the debt collector already has does not accomplish this purpose

FAQ on the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act

Ask for a validation of the debt from the original creditor, then ask for an agreement in writing before sending any funds to the collection.

[littleroc02us]

The reason they want your checking account number is so that they can clean out your account at their own will to settle the bill. This is a collector that has no brain and is trying to bully you. Send a letter to the company explaining that you would be glad to pay the bill if they send you a bill and make a copy of it. If they continue to bother you, then don't answer the phone or warn them that they are breaking federal law by not furnishing you with the bill.

[Stuartthomas]

its good to be have on a safe side..but i think you should pass it on to them....that doubt also come into my mind when i was about to give my details to my lender..but its an online kind of transaction and safety and security is their prime concerned ..so you must not worry about that .and should follow them..