[Ulric]

I have a debt collection agency that has contacted me by phone.

To date they have NOT mailed anything to me in regards to this debt.
I'm willing to pay the debt. However I have a problem with paying
This debt by Western Union or via an 'E-check', when I explained this
They stated they could 'print out' a check and mail it to my bank.
I informed them I have a problem with that also. I asked what their address
Was, to which they first asked me 'why?' claiming security reasons.
I explained that I was by no means comfortable considering paying someone
Money and having no manner of getting in touch with the should problem arise
Afterwords, beyond a telephone number. After being on hold for several seconds
They did finally give me an address, I queried if a payment could be sent directly
To that address at which point 'G' started to become Irate and informed me that the
ONLY manner in which they accept payment is via Western Union & the 'E-check'.
I told 'G' that I find this hard to believe, and could not see where in the case of a lawsuit
A judge would order/insist the debtor would be required to pay the debt only by one of these two ways.
They put me on hold again, came back and told me that I could overnight a payment to the original address
They had given me over the phone.. but it had to be received by the 13th or they would
Begin 'Collection Process' against me.
I stated that if she was with a collection agency, calling about a debt.. then they had obviously already started
Collection process and asked what was meant by beginning or 'further process collection'. I explained I had issue
With sending money to someone who claimed to be calling in regards to a debt when I have received no documentation in regards to the debt and have no current manner of confirming who they were. 'G' informed me that if I could not/would not pay in the manner they demanded they would inform the creditor that I refused to make payment . I informed 'G' that I wwould not pay them in the manner they wished w/o documentation or a more acceptable manner in which to pay them.


I presume, I would be best served at this point... by waiting to see if they do send a letter and attempt to handle things from there (be it negotiation etc)?
Are they allowed to 'limit' the manner in which they accept payment or are they required to accept other forms of payment? I would guess, that worst case it could go to small claims court in which I could explain my situation/concerns and make direct payment.

[Fr_Chuck]

Collectoin phone calls, refuse them, inform them not to contact you by phone any longer, but to make all requests in writing.

Contact the orgianl company the debt is with and try and settle with them, if they have not sold the debt, they can still settle with you.

NEVER and I mean never give them any of you bank info over the phone,

Next don't pay with a personal check ( it also gives them your bank info) pay with a money order or other non identifing method.

Next never agree you owe the debt, always dispute it, make them send you in writing proof you owe the debt, you are legally intitled to that info.

They sound like crooks to me.

[Ulric]

Already tried original creditor and their 'finance company' who's about as friendly and communicative as these people are.
I noticed them on the... watched user lists on the Budhibbs site and am currently typing up a summary to provide to them.