How much will collection agencies discount debts if you offer to pay right now?
I have a bogus debt on my records. I moved out of an apartment unit years ago (2002) and now see a claim for $161 for cleaning. I recall when I moved out being told not to bother sweeping the garage floor, then having them bill me for over $100 for having someone sweep out the garage. If there is some way to dispute it and get out of paying, I suppose it would take months, and cost more than just paying. Feels like I am being ripped off but will pay to fix my credit report. The collection agency has not even writen to me trying to collect. The apartments have been sold to a new owner so there is no one to talk to who cares. America is going down the toilet when it comes to protecting people from ripoffs.
So, does anyone know how much these sharks will go down to get my dough?
May 7th, 2010 at 7:38 am
might be upto 50% – call them directly – paying is better than fighting it in my opinion
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May 7th, 2010 at 10:36 am
You may as well talk to the collection agency and try to settle for as little as possible, then you will be done with it.
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May 7th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
you must be happy that they have not asked for other costs like painting/repairs/damage to equipments etc.if you feel by paying50% if you have peace of mind then do it. definitely the department will appreciatye your honesty
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May 7th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
This is what you need to do. It is $161. You need to call the collection agency and unless they are willing to give you a letter stating that you have paid this debt in full and will remove the negative marks from your report you will not settle. The problem with negotiating is they will not remove the mark on your report. Remember the agency gets paid a % of revenues collected. The more you are willing to pay the more they are willing to do. They have no incentive to remove your negative mark if $80.50.
Paying the amount is not your issue here. You want the negative mark removed from your record.
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May 7th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Many agencies buy debt for pennies on the dollar, so they may of just payed a few dollars for your debt. Most any thing they get is profit.
Info. from the web
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May 7th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
40-50%…call them
http://www.debt-explained.com
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