Chosen by Asker

I agree, CatDad gave excellent advise. You should know though that they cannot force you to pay by certified funds. If they don't take payment in the method you want to make it, then you can always not pay them. You don't want to give them your bank account number, which is on your checks, because debt collectors are notorious for overdrawing checks. If you have negotiated the debt down, then get that in writing before paying anything. At that point, I think it is safe to pay by check so long as it is a solvent debt collector. You have good payment tracking with your bank that way and if they overdebit your account, you can sue them for breaking a variety of laws and get back much more than it costs you. If they refuse your method of payment, then tell them to go back to the creditor and tell them that you offerred to pay and they refused payment.

Source(s)

www.naca.net www.myfairdebt.com

by jjstvno

1 month ago

Asker's Rating: 

You can use a money order or cashier's check. Whatever you do, DON'T give them your bank account or credit/debit card information.

by jlf- 1 month ago

Prepaid card is much better (because it's faster for you and for them). However, if you don't want to do anything on the phone you can send them a money order or check in the mail. I'm sure you could do Western Union or Money Gram, too.

by Pablo- 1 month ago

Hold on here: What type of this debt is this and when did you default and stop making payments on this debt?? - A prepaid card provides zero documentation that a bill was paid in full. If you pay them this way I can almost guarantee that they'll come back demanding more money and denying that the debt was settled/paid in full. - Debt collectors love nothing more than to pretend to be (or represent) attorneys when this is not the case to scare people into paying them. If they threaten you with a lawsuit/legal action, then ask for their attorney’s full name and license number in the state bar association. Call your state bar association to confirm this info. If they refuse to give this info to you, then the legal threat is probably a bluff. ---------- When a debt collector first contacts you, your first step should always be to request validation of the debt per your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Even if the debt is valid, request validation anyway. Send them a letter via Certified Mail + Return Receipt (do not use regular mail) stating: Per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, I am requesting written validation of this alleged debt, including a copy of the original signed application with my signature --------------------------------------... When they call back, tell them: I have sent a certified letter to your office officially requesting written validation of this alleged debt per my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Per this federal law they must provide written validation within 30 days and they must cease collection activity until they send you written validation. ----------- If you eventually pay them, offer 20% of the original amount and go from there. Get all terms IN WRITING PRIOR TO PAYING THEM. Pay only via USPS money order. Photocopy for your records. - By themselves, debt collectors have absolutely no legal power over you., they cannot garnish your wages or freeze checking accounts...only a court can authorize this and they’d have to go through the court system to do this.

by CatDad- 1 month ago

CatDad gave you excellent advice. I would follow it.

by MKD- 1 month ago