I received a call from an attorney's office today about a debt. They said they are wanting to settle on a debt that is several years old. The amount they are settling for is quadruple what it should be. They claim this is the best they can do and that the other option is for them to file a lawsuit. The amount they claim is near $5000 that is due them. I have not had contact with anyone from the company or anyone in collections in over 4 years. Any suggestions? Thanks.

progunr

Are you claiming that you do not owe them any debt?

Just because no one has been able to contact you for 4 years, does not mean they have forgiven the debt, along with the penalties and interest for the past 4 years.

The statute in Oklahoma is 5 years, so if they are going to sue you, they will probably do so very soon.

If you borrowed the money, and agreed to the terms, you are obligated to pay it back.

Loan_Guy

OK, here's my take on this. I am not going to discuss any moral or ethical obligations that you may have...

Millions of dollars are paid needlessly to attorneys and collection agencies that have NO LEGAL RIGHT to collect. Send the attorney a letter insisting that they VALIDATE the debt. You want to see original documents signed by you that you agreed to pay the debt, how they came up with the amount they claim is owed and that they can legally collect in your state, etc. Send the letter CMRRR and tell them you will only accept correspondence through the mail, not by phone. Keep any and all paperwork!

If they contact you asking for more information, do not give it to them. It is their job to prove you 100% owe the debt they are claiming, not for you to have to prove yourself innocent.

Chances are they cannot legally collect from you. Do not agree to anything until they VALIDATE!

LG